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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: glenn-k on January 28, 2006, 02:27:40 AM

Title: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on January 28, 2006, 02:27:40 AM
Since RV storage desn't require a permit, I'm building a 2 story RV storage garage.  My 1926 Dodge needs a home.  Kathy's car gets the top then later my 1919 Dodge will get it -after I build a carport somewhere. :-/

It is my goal to do this very low cost- in fact nearly free.  Let's see how that works.

To do something like this you need to be on the lookout for things that may be useful later - I started a long time ago.  Networking - friends know what type of things I may want and they tell me - always wanting to contribute - and they somehow benefit also.  Our friend, Judy told me about free boat docks last year.   I delivered a load to her.  Another friend, Wayne told me of free timbers from the Bridge at Wawona, Yosemite National Park - he  even arranged for them to be delivered for free.  He took a pickup load -I got the rest.

From the NPS quote:   The Wawona Bridge was built in 1931 and was already slated for replacement in 1998. In January, flood waters inundated the bridge. Scouring from the flood has left the bridge vulnerable to undermining at flows similar to those experienced in January.   ----These nice creosote treated timbers are 75 years old -excellent quality an no rot.

Two 30 foot dump truck loads.  Were delivered from Wawona - the Bridge was replaced in 2005.    I had the backhoe - forklift - Bobcat - tractor so they don't count.  Another friend has antique corrugated metal he said I can have free.  Dirt excavated from the job is free. OK - so I used about $30 worth of fuel to dig the hole and move the timbers etc.
(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ccc4scd.jpg)
First you dig this big ol' hole
Trying Yahoo pic. host- may lose it later-  

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/f565scd.jpg)
Rocks are removed from the driveway
Grade is lowered to remove hump and provide drainage.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/75afscd.jpg)
The mineral clay is saved.
It will be used for rammed earth or cob

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ff9cscd.jpg)
Soil layers
Organic clays on top. Acids from the Oak trees leach through the ground from the rains to break down the green Andesite into mineral clay.  Water does not easily flow through the mineral clay here.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ccc4scd.jpg)
Ground so hard.
A 15000 lb backhoe barely removes it. Great earth building soil though.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/a9d8scd.jpg)
OK - let me get this straight
If any officials trespass, I think I am supposed to pull the wool over their eyes.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/434ascd.jpg)
Framing Starts
Timbers from the Historic Wawona Bridge - YNP take on another life


(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/d836scd.jpg)
Modified from the Little House Plans (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html)
A treated post and pier foundation rests on gravel

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/5207scd.jpg)
Everyone needs one of these.  Three 4' x 18' boat docks are set into place with the forklift.

Costs so far.

Timbers -free -delivered
Boat docks -free - picked up 40 miles away -1/2 load - $30 fuel
Nails - 6-7" spikes - pulled from salvage timbers - re-used - like new condition
Cement - to raise strength of rammed earth - not really required but - $60  Wood timbers will be used as a bond beam - earth keyed to posts as rammed.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: jraabe on January 28, 2006, 12:21:34 PM
What a model of resourcefulness!

Very interesting to see your brain at work, Glenn.  (Well, not the actual brain  :P)

That old Dodge looks like a fun project in itself. And, it's always a good idea to keep a watch sheep around the jobsite.  8-)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 28, 2006, 12:43:10 PM
Believe me (or maybe my wife), John.  My brain is a very scary place.  I don't think you want to go there. :-/

Other than that - a fun cheap little project that I better get out and work on. ;D

I'm going to try to work in a little more of the Little House Plan design - modified for post and beam with rammed earth infill - maybe other infill such as boards if I get too lazy.

The basic structure is 12 x 18 inside measure due to boat dock size- 2 story- due to space limitations on the corner of the driveway- docks slope back toward uphill a couple inches -ground floor slopes toward down hill a couple inches to provide drainage from wet cars etc in typical garage floor fasion - besides - it kept me from having to dig out more rock.  Most of the bracing will be by stabilized rammed earth between the posts.  the bottom doors at this point are to be offset 3' from one side to allow a workbench and shelves.

I've put Studley, the sheep, on notice that in case of unwelcome visitors, I want him to baaaaaaa k me up.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 29, 2006, 02:51:17 AM
OK - here we go-- Note that this is the way I did this project - it may or may not work this way for you.  My ground and soil type are ideal for doing this using these methods.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/f04ascd.jpg)
Holes are drilled through the wood.
In hard soil the auger will drill but for rock the Rotohammer is needed

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/9804scd.jpg)
Pouring grout.
Flowable non-shrink grout such as Pour Stone or Rockite is poured into the holes.  Rebars of the proper length are inserted into the grout and holes are topped off as necessary.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3682scd.jpg)
Excess grout can be cleaned off soon.
Rebar pins are set in the grout. -These have about 9" embedment to keep the plate and post from moving as the earth is rammed.  Some are in hard soil some are in rock.  This grout sets in under 1 hour.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/8009scd.jpg)
A slip form is added with clamps
The earth will be rammed between the form and the excavation wall.  I put 3 3"x6"s together so they can be moved up as a unit.  Later as I get to be above ground I will add another one to the outside.  I used 8'8" as it will work on all areas  that are to be rammed.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/de3bscd.jpg)
Earth is spread and mixed with cement with the Bobcat.  Other things will work - tractor with scraper and rippers etc.  The Bobcat is the easiest tool I have for mixing and moving the soil.  It has about a 10cu.ft bucket now making 1/2 sack cement =about 5% mix.  Rocks can be put on the bottom as a foundation to be rammed in but seeing the Chew Kee store remodel by David Easton shows me that this is not necessary.  A vapor barrier is not necessary - moisture will keep the clay together- excess leakage can be handled with a French drain even dug on the inside of the walls.  The wall will glue to the earth without a plastic barrier so there are reasons for and against it.  This mountain is very dry except for winter rain runoff.  We have had cob exposed for 3 years or more with no serious problem.  This clay and natural aggregate should do better as it is slightly stabilized.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/f1aascd.jpg)
Cement is put on the soil for mixing
One bucket of soil is mixed with 1/2 sack of cement - a mix of about 5% cement. I have heard of mix ratios of 4 to 7%

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/5390scd.jpg)
Water is added to the mix
Only enough to dampen it -no mud- more can be added while ramming also.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/66f7scd.jpg)
My dancing partner
Bouncing Betty Green - a pneumatic tamper - with much the same feel as a pogo stick although a bit heavier -maybe 30 or 40 lbs.

(//%3Cbr%20/%3Ehttps://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ad80scd.jpg)
A shot of Betty in action - she really rams it in hard. See the pieces of soil and rock fly.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/fef7scd.jpg)
Not too hard
Overzealous ramming can force the form away from the post

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/a217scd.jpg)
Betty has developed a bit of frost.  It is common for the exhaust to freeze due to expansion of the air when tamping.  If the tamper slows down let it warm up -do something else for a bit -then go at it again.  Oil the tool before use.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/2ebfscd.jpg)

Betty has packed it in
Forms can be removed immediatly- note the 1"x scrap nailed to the side of the posts to key the rammed earth to the structure.  

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/8f50scd.jpg)

The first 18" x 8' section is done - - wiring could be installed in the walls if desired.  Some people brush it after it is done .  We'll try that later.  While very firm now it will dry as hard as sandstone later.  USDA had rated this at 14400 lbs per square foot compressive strength without the cement added per Ken Kern.  Cement can increase that about 3 times or more - varies.

Total time of actually mixing and ramming approximately 10  cubic feet of mineral clay, rock and 1/2 sack cement was about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  I left the natural rock up to about 6" pieces in the soil and rammed them in also per a suggestion I read on another guys project.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: peg_688 on January 29, 2006, 08:50:24 AM
Those are some dandy little red X's . Plate compactor's are such fun  :)
 You mean one of these as in fork lifts ?

(https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/dill7.jpg%20)

 Yes the mind is a terrible thing to waste , I'm a little fussy on those picture's you posted Glenn :-/

 I'm sure it will all work out ,in the end. PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 29, 2006, 11:34:53 AM
Sorry about that PEG - I tried Yahoo again - worked for a while - all gone now- I will copy them over to photobucket.

I had to try it one more time - Kicking my self in the butt------yelling ---never never never use Yahoo for anything except a good place for albums or to transfer good sized images  to Photobucket from. >:(

I guess that'll teach me to not try to save a few minutes. :-/

That's the type forklift but mine's not as pretty.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: peg_688 on January 29, 2006, 01:33:09 PM
Now that's more better  :) And your fork lift is your's, ours was a rental  ;) Handy when ya need one , fork lift that is . Good post Glenn, Thanks , PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 29, 2006, 04:31:22 PM
Yup- it's ugly but its mine - in fact I have twins - the other one is on a steel building job.  Handier than pockets in your underwear. :)  8000 lb capacity and 35 feet up. :o  (Provided you pay attention to your CG (center of gravity) -if you don't it could be 35' sideways up here in the hills.)

Most of the information I studied on Rammed Earth was from the Rammed Earth House by David  Easton.  Using his methods you can make a beautiful modern looking house that will meet codes.

I want the old rustic look so am not going for modern plywood forms.  My methods are closer to those used in 17th century France with the exception of the Bobcat and rammer as shown in this PDF on rammed earth methods - in fact I just got another idea from it so will use it as walls go farther up.

Earth Construction Techniques (http://www.cmpbs.org/publications/AD4.3-Earth_Block.pdf)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: lodestar on January 29, 2006, 05:54:35 PM
Gives me ideas of alternative parking areas for our "RV"...volkswagen westy camper.  Dagnab it glenn...as if I don't have enough on my plate as it is.  

Thanks.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 29, 2006, 06:51:00 PM
My pleasure, Bruce.  Watch out how long you dance with Betty at one time -  she'll wear you out - I finished  12 more feet 18" deep -stability of the structure is greatly increased- according to comparitive rates I'm at least equal to the guys with hand rammers in undeveloped countries. :-/  Update - total today was 30 cu ft rammed in place - average by hand is 1 1/2 cu. ft per hour per man - I worked about 7 hours on it.

Actually I'm pretty satisfied with my progress - it's fairly hard work but if you don't stop to think about how beat you get it's real satisfying to ram a section and pull the form leaving a completed section of wall that wasn't there an hour ago.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 29, 2006, 07:05:51 PM
Just remembered, PEG -- I should have listened to you - I know you are a fanatic about a clean jobsite.

Well, I left my water hose with a spray nozzle laying on the ground as I was walking around my little project.  Stepped on it and shot myself in the crotch with a cold stream of water.  As if that wasn't enough I left it laying there and in about 5 minutes I did it again-- bulls eye- same spot. ::)

The rest of you -listen to PEG - he knows what he's talking about -- if I had listened I wouldn't be running around with wet panties right now.

Don't say --"Depends", PEG. :-/

Guess I better go move that water hose now. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: jraabe on January 30, 2006, 01:29:47 AM
You only get this stuff here at CountryPlans folks...

Where Glenn the Cob Cowboy gives you ALL the information  ::). Even the stuff you will need to make your own stupid mistakes.  :P

We hold nothing back!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 30, 2006, 02:17:19 AM
QuoteYou only get this stuff here at CountryPlans folks...

We hold nothing back!

Does that mean I have to tell you that after I wrote all that, I went back out there - wet the earth mix - tossed the hose on the ground - the trigger locked onto a coarse spray aimed directly at me and did it again-- or should I keep that to myself?
:P :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: Amanda_931 on January 30, 2006, 08:20:38 PM
When I was working we used to say wistfully that we wished we learned from other people's mistakes, not just our own.

But not even to learn from your own???????
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: jraabe on January 30, 2006, 08:41:37 PM
Could there really be such a thing as a resourceful owner/builder/designer without a sense of humor?

The enlightening experience of our own stupidity (and then the ability to stand back and laugh at it) has to be something every self-taught builder has experienced. If they haven't, you probably don't have anything to learn from them anyway!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on January 30, 2006, 10:47:54 PM
Amanda, I did better today - didn't wet myself until it started raining - I had already mixed 2 Bobcat buckets of earth  with 1 bag of cement so rain or no rain -it had to be rammed.  So I did about 20 to  25 cu. ft today.  I spent more time forming - got some extra planks to have more ready at once - then got rained out before I could fill it all.  Spent time repairing equipment too hence a bit short on production.

I think a little humor helps keep things interesting, John.  I mean just think - this could be a very boring project if at least a few funny things didn't happen.  :)

Working on a rammed earth project gets you pretty dirty sometimes --- and sometimes working alone my mind wanders off to distant places - back to my childhood remembering what my dad would say to me -----

"Hey son -- you want to hear a dirty story?"

"Yeah dad, please, please." ::)

"OK-here's one --- White horse fell in the mud." :-/

My dad wasn't very funny sometimes.  I think I got it from my uncle. ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: peg_688 on January 30, 2006, 11:43:22 PM
QuoteJust remembered, PEG -- I should have listened to you - I know you are a fanatic about a clean jobsite.

Well, I left my water hose with a spray nozzle laying on the ground as I was walking around my little project.  Stepped on it and shot myself in the crotch with a cold stream of water.  As if that wasn't enough I left it laying there and in about 5 minutes I did it again-- bulls eye- same spot. ::)

The rest of you -listen to PEG - he knows what he's talking about -- if I had listened I wouldn't be running around with wet panties right now.

Don't say --"Depends", PEG. :-/

 

Guess I better go move that water hose now. :)


 Ha hee A guyed "almost" pay to watch that show ;D  Now if when the hose got ya we tand ya stumbed back and stepped on a nail that wouldn't be funny.   Hoses will , Hose ya , given 1/2 a chance . You seemed  to give it more than  one  :) PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on February 01, 2006, 10:40:07 AM
Going out to get after it again now - our hero- yours truly--- was last seen with wet knickers after sitting in the Bobcat seat in the rain----- will he wet himself again today --- that remains to be seen but we're about to find out. :-/

Yesterday while going to work and daydreaming while driving down the road in my Kenworth --- oop's - sorry about that little fella' ------- wha'd he say??? -----one fingered salute------ the same to you----- now where was I------- oh yeah ---- I was driving down the road daydreaming about new and interesting things to do on this RV garage with rammed earth, antique corrugated tin ---little house plans --- porches --- planters -- benches ---balconies-- fireplaces-- arches ---     hang in there ---this could get fun --- I'm all excited and want to get it on.  Okay -I just nuked a big cup full of yesterday's coffee - drank it all including the grounds at the bottom of the glass - I'm fired up.  More pictures tonight. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on February 02, 2006, 12:28:02 AM
Well - no accidents today -and even got some stuff done.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ac5dscd.jpg)
Do the corners first.- keep them equal.  If not below ground forms would be on both sides and push wouldn't be a problem.  Per David Easton start at the corners then do the middles.  Makes sense.
The framing is leaning a little to the left, Time to ram the left corner.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/655bscd.jpg)
February 1, 2006  The garden is about 40 feet to the left of the garage.
It is still looking pretty good -lots of food besides flowers.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/df44scd.jpg)
This will be a window later.  Digging with the pick is more fun than using the backhoe.  Yeah - right, as Jonesy would say. I have decided to ram an archway for the window with a walkway over it.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/d5d9scd.jpg)
The door area is going to be extended 3'
Since it is 8' wide it is easy to 6-8-10 it to square the wall - lines are scribed in the dirt to cross at square

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/afdascd.jpg)
Preparation for ramming the corner.  Framing is added to provide bonding for the rammed earth and door hinge mounts.  A reinforced concrete bond beam and posts can also be used.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/5db4scd.jpg)
Rocks are used as a permanent form.  Earth is rammed between the rocks and the framing to stabilize the garage.  The wood is in contact with the ground here, but it is treated with creosote, has gravel under the critical areas and the rammed earth being stabilized with concrete will be able to take the full load anyway if there ever are problem areas.  This is based on the findings from the Chew Key store renovation in Fiddletown, CA.  Also I noted untreated wood -kept dry-  in the Anasazi dwellings in Arizona and New Mexico- 400 to 800 years old if I remember right.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3f2bscd.jpg)
A piece of plywood lagged on for a form
I lapped the previous joint by about 6 inches to prevent a blowout when ramming

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/711dscd.jpg)
2x4s were lagged over the form boards
Different ways of support will work as long as it is sturdy

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/63a7scd.jpg)
The left wall is complete.  In the middle is a rock I wanted to show.
The form is removed -imperfections can be left or repaired with the soil cement mix.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/a98fscd.jpg)
Another view of the rock brace wall- there is probably another name for it but I'm too lazy to look it up right now. :)  Buttress is the word - thanks to Mrs. Goanna Jonesy for getting that word to me. :)  It is part of the bracing necessary to keep the garage and my wifes car from plunging down into the valley below, if she stops too fast in the upstairs garage. :-/  I estimate that I put around 12000 lbs there today.
One half of the door will swing off of the visible post on the left at the outside face of the rock wall - a 4' balcony will go over the top.



Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: harry51 on February 02, 2006, 10:28:48 PM
Looks good, Glenn! Will you build another rock/earth buttress on the other side? If you need rocks, I've got plenty of loose ones!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on February 02, 2006, 10:41:23 PM
As a matter of fact, that is next - I was in a hurry to backfill the backside and started to move it a bit on the right - so before I get carried away-- that is next.

I think I may still have a couple of rocks left.   :-/

The cement has set the clay up into a pretty hard claystone in the first areas and the later areas are very solid as well.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on February 02, 2006, 11:22:09 PM
Not too many pictures today.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/7c9cscd.jpg)
Kathy thought we should have wood and storage at the back so we used the excavated area for shelf space. putting in timbers to bridge the area as the upstairs garage approach is over the shelf area.  About 12" earth will go over it.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/d99cscd.jpg)
The back wall and storage is complete.
The rammed earth shelf is 18" deep and open 36" high

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/454fscd.jpg)
Front right corner to get buttress.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage.
Post by: glenn-k on February 04, 2006, 01:37:51 AM
I started on the right buttress today -Framing was added for the right door and braced against the movement that is easily caused by ramming -  :-/

I have 2 places here that moved a little - if it was not a rustic building being built to look very old, this could be a problem.  The only way to correct it completely is to re-excavate it and remove the overtamped fill.  Believe me - without an equal amount of fill on the opposing side it is very easy to move.  Guess I should have remembered what Mike Oehler said about that.  I re-adjusted the door frame a bit and will live with it.  Once again - if built above ground - forms with walers -plumbed and braced -there should be no problem.  The desired finish quality determines how much time goes into form building and bracing.  I'm for rustic - a very forgiving style -

If someone mentions that --"Hey, that door frame is a little out of square", you just go - "Yeah, I know - it's rustic, I meant to do that."

Today's Pix

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/9d52scd.jpg)
Half of the day was spent moving rocks.  The Bobcat was acting up a little so used the forklift, chains and straps to move some choice rocks.  The big one came from our property about 1/4 mile away.
The top rock is probably near 8000 lbs. That should make a good buttress.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/e46escd.jpg)
A better view of the back wall.  Kathy told me the image I posted yesterday didn't show the shelf area well enough.  The flat rammed earth top will get a wood edge with a trowled soil cement surface.   The rest of the shelves will be wood -easily fastened to the framing.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/1995scd.jpg)
Bottom half of the buttress is complete.  Actually this picture was a bit earlier in the day -2 more feet are currently rammed.  The treated horizontal board is to provide a larger area to brace from the building to the buttress.
The area behind the buttress rocks is filled with stabilized rammed earth and smaller rocks.  To the left is a rough line where some of the soil cement was a bit dry and worked out the crack as the rest was rammed.  It can be left for rustic or filled with soil cement for those with more exquisite tastes.   :-/ The rest is set up like bricks.
I drove the Bobcat over the approach and onto the top floor today -Seat belt was fastened of course
.  Do they make parachutes for Bobcats? :-/  Actually we had done some calcs and I wasn't too worried. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 07, 2006, 03:42:42 AM
More progress
(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ee78scd.jpg)
Right buttress is finished

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/bd3ascd.jpg)
I guess it held - the calcs must have been correct

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/dd0cscd.jpg)
Kathy finally gets her rocks

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/643fscd.jpg)
An overall view of progress at this point


(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/1811scd.jpg)
Always being the lazy guy, I don't want to spend a lot of time building forms.   That tank might work. :-/  It is tilted up in the back so that when finished and it is dropped down, it might come out. :)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/8f8bscd.jpg)
It's quite a job finding rocks that will key together to make an arch that will stay up by itself.  It is much easier to find rocks that fit if you have a lot of extra rocks nearby.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/4b92scd.jpg)
The wall section is finally closed off and I can take a break.  Note that the several day old rammed earth is strong enough to hold the pile of rocks with no sign of weakness.  The area below the tank was washed off with the hose full force and no loss of or softening of material was noted.  The cement stabilization is doing it's job.   With an estimated supporting strength of 14400 to 43200 lbs per square foot it should handle the job.  All foundation areas were down to hard native clay and rock before starting.

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on February 07, 2006, 01:30:00 PM
Sweetie, you didn't post your picture next to the rocks...   :-?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 07, 2006, 01:34:26 PM
That is because I looked like a large rodent.  You told me the dirt wouldn't show in the picture. :-/

I looked like some wino off the street in Fresno.  The only thing missing was my jug of Ripple. :'(
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Daddymem on February 07, 2006, 05:38:20 PM
I gotta agree with Glenn on this one....much more pleasant to see Sassy in a picture next to the rocks than Glenn...I've heard the tales from pilots about some wild man in the mountains who likes to run around nekkid  :D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 07, 2006, 11:25:37 PM
My memory may be failing -- did I tell you about going out and waving to my buddy who buzzed our place? :-/  Maybe it was the Bare Crossing sign by the hot tub? :o
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 08, 2006, 11:20:22 PM
Slight setback today - the Bobcat caught on fire last night - electrical short I guess - fuel lines and wire burned, so I picked it up with the forklift and set it out of the way, then got out the tractor to finish the east wall.  No big deal - just another project for some other day. :-/

If the Bobcat never lived again, it wouldn't owe me a penny - It it is one of the most abused overworked machines I have.  It does the work of machines twice it's size.  I highly recommend a Bobcat for any of you wives looking for the perfect toy for your husband. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 09, 2006, 11:35:27 PM
(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/f595scd.jpg)

Overall view from the outside- balance of posts to be set so roof framing can be started.
Rocks were used instead of forms on the 3' thick walls

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/dc5escd.jpg)

The wind generator is visible
It is about 100 feet NW of the garage

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/8b6dscd.jpg)

4830 window and walls
This window was made large enough to be an emergency exit from the back of the garage

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/be46scd.jpg)

The last of the east wall is finished
The window frame was built and nailed the the previously rammed and leveled earth

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ad0escd.jpg)

First set of rafters and loft joist go up.  It was near dark but I couldn't wait. I used one 3x6 as a top plate-- hey -it was free :)

This is loosely based on the Little House Plans (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html) - apologies to John -using free stuff so making a few modifications.  The docks measure 12'x18 feet total inside measurement at the second floor.   I used the Clipped Roof detail, as I want to transition to a low pitched porch roof all around--- having plans does have it's advantages - this was easy to follow.  The porch will help keep the lower floor dry by keeping rain away from the sides of the excavation and the stabilized rammed earth while giving us a nice place to display antique tools -machines etc. and have a nice place to sit and chew the fat while sipping a cold one and hiding away from the summer sun.   The dry soil will have less damaging effect on the treated timbers rammed into the earth in the top active area. :)

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 11, 2006, 04:40:10 PM
Hey Jimmy - I got to thinking about your barn picture  and Johns comments about it while working on my old garage - I think I want a little cupola in the top now too.  One with the 360 degree view like they were mentioning on the First Day.  Just one more thing to do. :)

QuoteA couple of days ago this great little barn was posted by Jimmy Cason.



Now, if I had a small library of modifiable plans I could work up a set of structural plans for this project in short order.

I would start with the 20x30 1 1/2 story plan (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/50.html) - this probably has just about the right footprint for this building and with four options for the foundation I have that sheet almost done already. I think I would use the floating slab option and perhaps leave out the final slab pour and live with a gravel or dirt floor for awhile (you can pour sections with the slab).

For the pop-out addition, you could lift the end wall if needed making the shed roof a bit less of a pitch. This could become a greenhouse with a corrugated lexan clear roof over this section.



I would play around a bit to see whether this works better with a 10' or 9' sidewall. Using the details in the plans you could have a full loft or part of the building open with exposed beams tying the walls together.

The projected lift beam could actually be handy for getting things into the loft.

Working with a stock plan that allows you to do cut and paste drafting (as do all the plans on this site), much of the planning and structure can be worked up rather quickly.

A simple program such as 3D Home Architect would let you layout the interior floorplan, play with the stair options and produce an electrical plan. These could be printed and pasted into your evolving set of plans. For this building that program could probably also do some decent elevations with your customized window and door layouts.

It looks like the building has simple vinyl frame windows trimmed out with a painted 1x4 on the outside. And, of course, the place has been "shrubbed up" nicely (that's an architectural term  ;)).

No doubt about it. The very most cost-effective thing you can do to any building is to put in good long-term landscaping work — trees, shrubs, pavers and walkways. Nothing will add more life to the building while you're there or more dollars to the bottom line when you sell.

(http://tinypic.com/fo14lf.jpg)
(http://www.countryplans.com/images/barn.gif)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 13, 2006, 03:04:13 AM
Pictures from  Sunday and a few from earlier - captions finally done.

Rammed Earth Garage and Sawmill--Link to album -- Will update as pictures are added (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/glennkangiser/album?.dir=/6804)

NOTE:  There are extra pictures here with captions that are not included on these pages.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 13, 2006, 09:14:13 AM
For many more photos with captions go to the above album- I'm only posting a few here.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/de77scd.jpg)
Pulling the structure square.  After pulling with a come-along a temporary brace is nailed on.
A shift while ramming the bottom story threw the top a bit out of square.  It is corrected here.  This is similar to a pole structure as post go clear to the bottom floor.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/1ebdscd.jpg)
The form was pulled out of the arch today.  Roofing is started in anticipation of the coming rain.  Antique tin was used holes and all -felt was place under it in case of leaks - purlins were flat 2x4's an 18" centers over rafters at 4' spacing.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/2c20scd.jpg)
A little help from my friend.  The Kenworth can lift about 10000  lbs.  I need 2x4's and siding today.
The log is placed on the mill. I can cut logs 20' long x 30 " diameter -don't do it often.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/d4e6scd.jpg)
This log is for Incense Cedar siding.  I'm cutting 5/8 x whatever -trim off cap --turn log 90 degrees and have 3 trimmed sides.  Last edge is left natural.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/81c4scd.jpg)
Resawing cant to make the last two 2x4's- A cant is a large slab sawn off the log - it can then be turned on edge and multiple boards resawn from it.  These 2x4s are the last of about 8 from this cant at 16'6" long..
Quality and warpage can be changed by changing the direction the cut is made.  Many times I straight cut if making siding or material that is not critical.  I usually try to get the best quality 2x4's and 6's but it depends on what I need - sometimes it is quite a bit of extra work or re-rigging as small sawmills don't usually have a method of handling heavy logs- that's where the crane comes in handy-- it is cable remote controlled.

 
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: jstig on February 13, 2006, 02:31:36 PM
Wow !!   Looks great Glen...  Did you say you are using John's plans for the garage?   If so which are you using?    

I like the adirondack siding you made -  would be great to find a local source for it here in Maryland.  Would look great on my little house.

Jim
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Jimmy_Cason on February 13, 2006, 02:53:03 PM
Glenn, your wind generator reminded me of a Walmart I saw this weekend in Mckinney Texas. There are several solar arrays in various locations in the parking lot and HUGE 120-foot wind turbine with a 46-foot-diameter rotor.

(http://www.forester.net/images/de0511_44.jpg%3Cbr%20/%3E)(http://www.irecusa.org/articles/static/1/binaries/Wal-Mart.XL50.jpg)


Check it out here.....
http://www.irecusa.org/articles/static/1/1124996991_1051597266.html

http://www.forester.net/de_0511_walmart.html
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 14, 2006, 02:46:22 AM
Let me put it this way Jim-- I am using the 12 x 18 Little House Plans (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html) from the Big Enchilada Plans Kit (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/43.html)  I like the Enchilada because there are lots of options.  I didn't know that the siding type was Adirondack - I knew there was a name for it.  Couldn't remember. :-/

Note that I can only use portions of the plans because I am using salvaged materials and turned it into a 2 story with full loft and it will have an odd cupola/viewing area.  I used the gravel footing under treated lumber - the clipped rafter style with 12/12 pitch, and will be working more into it as we go.  I hope to add the diamond window in the end wall - it is a garage so only so much I can use but it is looking quite like it should I think.

I also had to convert it to post and beam construction for the first floor rammed earth walls and use of the boat docks for the second floor.   Another reason for post and beam is that I was given two 35 foot semi-loads of 3"x6" bridge timbers from Yosemite- Wawona bridge - 1931 -still like new - probably straight old growth - no big knots - old creosote treated - not much smell or mess - and it's not hurting me either - except for this giant horn tumor projecting out of my forehead----Makes it much easier to carry building materials around though --- rocks - bricks ---- nearly everything.  :)


(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/109877.jpg)  

An interesting finding on the lumber from the bridge was that it was sawn on at least two different saws or sawmills.  Some had the straight saw marks of a band saw and others had lines from  a 30" diameter circular saw.  They probably weren't resawn as the circle saw marks were on all four sides.  At the time the bridge was built, round nails had been in use for about 35 years.  Before that nails were square and clipped off by a machine.  I have some new originals I use around the place once in a while- mostly for functional decorative purposes.  They pretty much quit making square nails about 1895 -now there are a few available as concrete nails - they are clipped then hardened.

The stabilized rammed earth anchors this thing to the ground and totally stabilizes the foundation and  helps stop moisture from getting to the wood- think of the Little house with a full basement.

That generator is a beauty, Jimmy -- I personally think we should see a lot more of them ---- but many whiners think they are ugly and get legislation passed that makes them impractical in many areas.  They actually make a pleasing sound and more birds die on clean glass windows than on wind generators.

Todays progress was slowed a little because a good friend called with a bunch of free stuff - more sheeting - an I-beam for my hay trolley going into the attic - no hay - just a cool trolley.  Note that I could buy new roofing but the idea is to make this place look ancient so I purposely exposed the rusty side of the sheeting and will hide the better stuff on the back side of the building.  Networking with your friends - a cool way to get free stuff - then you return the favor when you can do something for them.  Many times people just call me to give me stuff they would like to see me use in the place.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/dd3bscd.jpg)
Siding after I put it on this morning -- note that the sheeting will be trimmed later.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/ad1bscd.jpg)
Overall view
Siding is trimmed to corner -all work on this one so far with a chain saw -timbers too big for skillsaw with a few rocks

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/d27bscd.jpg)
Nice view from the garage- I hope to somehow make the cupola big enough to have a bed to sleep in during lightning storms without it looking out of proportion.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on February 15, 2006, 12:43:25 AM
 Lookin  8-) Glenn . Nice sunset shot as well. Your having way to much fun  ;) How is Mr. Cat , Bob that is ?  PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 15, 2006, 12:57:05 AM
Not the fine quality craftsmanship you do, PEG- but it is rustic - and will be functional and will in it's own way be kinda cool and old looking - or at least different.  :-/  Thanks for the compliment, PEG -- it means a lot coming from a master builder like you. :)

I had to go work for money today but may get one more day in tomorrow.----- Selling myself for money -- I'm so ashamed. :'(

Mr. Bobcat is not feeling well right now --I think he went hunting with Mr. Cheney and is currently unable to comment.  I hope his engine is not shot. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on February 15, 2006, 01:16:35 AM
 It was a compliment :) It looks cool , I like it . Freedom in building , as long as it's safe , I like it . Really like the arched stone work , it will fit the area your in.

 Wouldn't fit in town or in a sub division.

 I get stoked when a client has old stuff to use and to put back into use , like these old things reused,  :)

 (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/doorrepair.jpg)  

old doors restored.

 (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/aug2005023.jpg)


 Stained glass used as relight into bedroom .


(//%20https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/aug2005021.jpg)

Dresser to vanity.  The waincot and chair rail in the back gnd , old fir flooring T&G and brickmold with a few router details  and a cap.

 Nice job keep the photos coming ideas abound  :) PEG

 BTW I'm just a simple counrty carpenter no more no less , but thanks for the kind words :)
 
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on February 15, 2006, 01:54:53 AM
Peg, I really love those doors - they're the style I would like if I lived in town...  and the tree trunk post with its reflection in the window... very beautiful - has an oriental style to it which I've always liked - The other things you've done are very nice, too.

I'm into more of the detail work, finish work.  Glenn does the major work & I do the sanding & varnishing, the finish mortar work, stucco & cob, interior decorating, gardening (weeding, pruning, did a rock garden on the side of a slope) etc.  I would like to try my hand at building some stuff like cabinets, etc but by the time I do the other stuff I don't have much time left over... besides, I haven't really worked much with the saws & stuff & Glenn can do it so fast, I'd rather him do it & me finish it up or just be the go-fer...  :)  
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: joe_landscaper on February 15, 2006, 02:21:34 AM
Glenn, I really like your siding. Got any for sale for free? Just kiddin on the free part. I would love to have somethng like that on our cabin. Is it pretty easy to make with a chain saw mill? I dont have any experience with one but I have looked at the one by logosol and had them send me some info. Love your creativity.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 15, 2006, 02:44:23 AM
You could make it on a chainsaw mill- I think the Logosol is one of the best chain saw mills from their literature - they have a special chain and blade , not as fast as the band saw but pretty good.

You just cut the top cap off the log get to a reasonably wide point by cutting an extra board or two (two finished faces -two unfinished edges) rotate the log 90 degrees then cut the rest- three finished sides - one ragged - makes it easy to install although for best coverage you don't level the siding- alternate large and small ends lap appx 1" to 1 1/2" as necessary for edge coverage - straight cutting makes the most interesting patterns although not the best warpage control -not usually a big deal though.

Joe Borden in Mountain Ranch (or maybe Sheep Ranch) California - just up the road from me about 75 miles --Wizard Engineering - is still making my sawmill too.  I don't know about pricing but not much worse than the Logosol and faster than it.

I could probably make some siding for a reasonable fee if you don't get a saw.  The Alaskan Sawmill attachment will also make boards on the real cheap - get a ripping chain if you use it - cheap -more work though--- but you may be surprised what you can do if you have the logs and energy.  Several models

Alaskan Sawmill (http://www.toolcenter.com/sawmill/)  Look at the satisfaction you'd get saying -Yea-We made our own boards. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Jimmy_Cason on February 15, 2006, 09:51:11 AM
(//%20https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/aug2005021.jpg)


I saw a lot of these for sale at the First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas. ( The worlds biggest flea market)
For sale at 400-600 each!  The fabricator side of me about choked when I saw the prices of a simulated antique. I told my wife I could build one for 100-150 dollars and she would not be able to tell the difference. She told me to build the house first!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 15, 2006, 11:31:43 AM
You forgot my strategy, Jimmiy --- you have to make her want it. :)

Take my RV storage garage for example --- I talked to my wife about it --- told her the old car would sit out for a year or more longer if I didn't do it now ---- she said I should be working on the house first --- so much undone.

I said the timbers were in my way - dangerous nails sticking out-- the right equipment was all in the yard- ground is soft now for digging - I wanted to try rammed earth ----on and on and on.  She said -- the house needs to be fixed first - finally got a well OK out of her because she knew I was too stubborn to drop it ---To her favor - she likes it and is helping a lot.

The most important lesson you can take away from this, Jimmy is  --- Sometimes my strategies just don't work. :-/

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 15, 2006, 11:53:52 AM
On another note----- this is really stupid of me to rat myself out -----

Hard day yesterday --stayed up late last night - Kathy works late shift so doesn't turn in early -- got heartburn from eating a big steak and several Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. --- The point -- I woke up in the middle of the night - didn't sleep well.

Made the coffee in a daze this morning - picked up my yesterdays clothes to throw them in the hamper in the bathroom.  Walked in --- lifted the lid---- threw them in.   Damn---- that wasn't the hamper ----it was the toilet. Had I flushed earlier?, you ask.  Of course --I'm not some kind of troglodyte, you know.  Oh wait --- I am a troglodyte --- but ---yes --- I'm a refined troglodyte-- I had flushed.   Pulled the dripping wet clothes out of the toilet - put them in the hamper --I'm sure that was probably wrong too but Kathy won't find out about this until she checks in here so hopefully I'll be off somewhere and not get into trouble. :'(

I told you this was stupid. :-/

I'm off to work on the garage. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Jimmy_Cason on February 15, 2006, 12:00:03 PM
At least you didn't lift the lid to the hamper thinking it was the toilet.....
Or is that going to be another surprise for her when she gets home?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 15, 2006, 12:06:31 PM
Now that you mentioned it, maybe I better run in there and check. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Doug_Martin on February 15, 2006, 07:48:11 PM
QuoteMade the coffee in a daze this morning - picked up my yesterdays clothes to throw them in the hamper in the bathroom.  Walked in --- lifted the lid---- threw them in.   Damn---- that wasn't the hamper ----it was the toilet.

Funny.  I did the exact opposite in college.  Late one night at a party at a friend's house I did a little "praying" before the porcelin god.  After I was done I dutifully flushed and went back to the party.  The next day I was told I confused the clothes hamper with the toilet -- it did seem to flush awfully quitely that night...
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 17, 2006, 12:11:32 AM
Thanks for posting that Doug-- I didn't really want to be the only one ratting myself out.

Working out of town a bit building a Safeway in Carmel ---doing my part ---so building will get underway again this weekend on the garage.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 03, 2006, 12:38:21 AM
My friend, Danny came up to work on the garage again last Sunday.  It gets him out of the city for a bit and he really likes working on my weird projects.  We didn't get a lot done as I got a call to look at remodeling the semi-underground floor of a historic building in town. It was built in 1865 - finished in 1866.  Square nails in the boards - I think it will be a cool project.  

More on the garage soon.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 15, 2006, 02:34:04 AM
Note that with the unfinished building and melting snow runoff over the stabilized rammed earth there is no softening or deterioration of it.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on March 15, 2006, 10:52:46 PM
Oh, good.

I wonder what it would have been like without the stabilization.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 15, 2006, 11:17:56 PM
I can answer that--- I was just out there working a bit today - got the rest of the purlins up less the open area where the smaller version of the cupola will go --per  Jonesy's suggestion -- I was going to eliminate it as the big one wouldn't look right I don't think.  

Anyway - the unstabilized clay the driveway is made of nearly swallowed my forklift in the area I removed the rocks from.  Places that seemed solid before the melting snow are now mud pits.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 18, 2006, 11:07:12 PM
Finally got a chance to work on the garage a bit more yesterday between storms and today.

Decided on the size and method of framing out the cupola.  Here is what I came up with.  Approximately 4' wide x 6'6" long by 7' high in the center - 12/12 pitch to match the garage roof.

The front will be even with the gable extension to get the desired room to be able to sleep up there if the urge strikes, and still not look funny from the side.  Supports will go in underneath the porch roof extension - too muddy to work out there now.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/bbf20900.jpg)

and the Cupola with that highly sought after rusty corrugated iron :)  I think I forgot to mention that a second friend also gave me a good pile of corrugated.  People just like to see use made of things that might otherwise be junk.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage014.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 19, 2006, 10:52:20 PM
Today I got more framing in the cupola for the windows. The side ones will be appx 6' x 2' - not sure about the size and shape of the end ones yet -   Kathy even cleaned up after me so we could put a picture in that PEG would approve of.  I know --I'm way too messy.

Support posts are now in under the last set of joists leaving only 2'6" of the cupola cantilevered.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage3-19008.jpg)

I had to do the window framing to be able to do the roofing as it will have to be flashed to prevent leakage.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage3-19007.jpg)

The ol' Dodge sits by patiently waiting for me to finish.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage3-19005.jpg)

I decided to do the front wall around the doors so it would really look like I was accomplishing something.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage3-19003.jpg)

In addition to this I got a bit more roofing put on.  Rusty tin is cool.  If it doesn't fit right, smack it with a 20 ounce framing hammer-- it makes it look even better. :)

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on March 19, 2006, 11:23:53 PM
Yesterday, I took some pics of Glenn working in the cupola but he said the pics were too crooked so didn't put them in...  :-/   The view is great from up there, this was the 1st time I'd been up inside.   I cleaned up a lot of the mess around there, didn't want Peg to see the messy workspace  ;D  Its really coming along nicely - if the rain lets up for awhile & it gets a little warmer I'll finish the plastering inside of the archway tunnel & do some more on the rest of the place, for now, making sure I cook enough so that Glenn will have enough energy to keep working out there while I sit in front of the wood stove, check up on CountryPlans & see what other controversial topics I can find to post...  ;) just kidding...
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on March 20, 2006, 12:13:40 AM
   8-) Glenn and sassy she might be like sittin in a tree, well cupola .   Ok that's why I'm not a song writer ::)

  A clean site is a safe site  :) I bet those photos arn't that crooked Glenn's just web site shy ;)

 Pssss  Post them when he's in the shower ;D  And I didn't say of him in the shower ;)

 Going to be very cool / unique when your done :)

PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 20, 2006, 12:44:48 AM
Hey PEG -- I used to wish I could sing--now I wish you could sing. :-/

What makes you think I take showers ??????? but you are right --Sassy does like to stand back and take pictures.


OK - here's the straightest one.  If only I could get her to leave the bottle of Ripple alone before she grabs the camera. :(

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage011.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on March 20, 2006, 01:26:05 AM
 You should see me dance  ;D  And maybe the picture is plumb and level and the decks off, you've just been compensating  :D :D

 Nice job , thanks , Back to the salt mines tomorrow  :( PEG ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 20, 2006, 01:37:43 AM
If the deck is off it is intentional -- for drainage.  As Jonesy says, "Yeah, Right."

Hey - gimme a break - it's hard working with all these natural and used materials - also I don't always properly flog myself for letting dimensions slip a little.  Does --"It's rustic" cover it?  or maybe the fact that there isn't a spot level enough around here for someone to get a decent eyeball on it anyway?  :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 24, 2006, 12:17:20 AM
'Snow wonder I haven't been getting much done - wouldn't you know when I say we hardly ever get snow here we get it for about a month solid - at least several days each week.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-23004.jpg)

But ---never fear -- the urge to accomplish something here is driving me on.  Finally a few boards on the front and a window to cut down a bit on the breezes.  It takes me a little longer because I have to saw the boards also but come to think of it, not any longer than running to the lumber yard.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-23009.jpg)

The endwall is braced in 2 directions then the clapboards are nailed to the braces too making the wall even stronger.    The window was part of a large group of windows I got from an old house for thirty dollars - lets give it a cost of $5.00.  The siding was from a cedar log I've had laying around a couple of years.  The 4x4's for framing were dunnage from my steel projects - free for hauling home.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-23011.jpg)

More will be done tomorrow. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on March 24, 2006, 01:37:35 AM
Oh, good.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on March 24, 2006, 09:55:14 AM
 Gee a kid would love that place  :) :)

Will there be a way to go from the groto(sp) lower level , thru the arch ,up into the garage area then on to the cupola?


 If I was a kid that would be the first place I'd go , in the arch and up, if it was possible  ;)

Still getting SNOW :-? What happened to global warming ??

PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 24, 2006, 10:12:49 AM
I think I need to add a trap door and a firepole.  

I also need to get a guard on the top window when it's in to keep kids from pushing each other out it.

I am considering one of JCL's  small scary platforms - like a small widows walk too- up out the back of the cupola.  Too much?????

The arch is turning into an entrance/exit novelty rather than a window - so yes -there will be a way.  You may have to crawl through it if you come to play here PEG-- 4' high ---so a tall kid like you will have to be careful not to knock yourself out on the rocks  (or damage the rocks with your head).  ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Jimmy_Cason on March 24, 2006, 11:24:37 AM
Is it possible to run an underground tunnel form the house to the garage? That would be cool!

To The Bat Cave!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 24, 2006, 12:43:52 PM
Absolutely, Jimmy.  The thought has crossed my mind a couple times.  Approximately 50 feet.  I'm just waiting for Picard to say "Make it so."
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: jonseyhay on March 24, 2006, 10:14:09 PM
"Global warming" is really a bit of a misnomer, as not all areas will become warmer. Places like the UK could actually end up with an ice age. A more correct term would be climate change. I suspect that that may have a bit to do with Glenns unusual snow conditions and it's a fair chance that's why half the population of New Orleans are living in trailer parks.  ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 24, 2006, 11:20:13 PM
Global warming?  I thought it was government weather tampering.  Bummer. :-/

Well - I got a bit more done today - sawed up another log - made more siding - it was quite a bit larger than the other tree and I wanted the most coverage for the time spent so i decided that the difference in width was not something that was going to worry me.  All siding boards are Incense Cedar sliced 5/8" thick.  I don't need a vapor barrier or insulation for this application so the boards make both the inside and outside finish.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-24-06003.jpg)

We are going to be hanging things on the wall later -trim will cover the ends and joint.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-24-06004.jpg)

My main issue with the boards was that they were free.  Gotta stay within my budget.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 27, 2006, 01:58:19 AM
With the weather straightening out part of the time now, I am able to get a bit more done.

Another part of the wall and tin on the roof today.  I also had to do a bit more framiing putting the posts in at the 4' center before doing the wall.

I found that when doing the Adirondack siding alone it is easiest to put a nail in the top of the previous board at each end leaving it down about 1" or for the desired amount of lap over the clapboard below.  Put the next board on top, nail it then move the nails up.  This eliminates most problems with trying to juggle the board and the nail gun at the same time.  I'm using 3" galvanized ring shank nails.  They hold so well that a soft pine board will rip out before the nails will come out of the old timbers.  I found that out taking scaffold bracing off with a 3' crowbar.  The scaffold braces ar also lagged into the framing with 3/8" lag screws.

I finished the framing for the end of the purlins and extended the scaffold boards out there to work from.  They are securely clamped with a big "C" clamp behind the tree.  Approximately 14' down to the ground at the end.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-26-06002.jpg)

I also got the area above the doors framed and boards for accent panels behind them.  A door goes in the middle with a hay trolley mounted on the extended beam -to possibly be used to assist getting things into the attic or just for looks.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/3-26-06001.jpg)

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: AJ(Guest) on April 05, 2006, 03:20:17 PM
If you guys are looking for a way to stop that Bouncing Betty from vibrating you to peices...check out www.soilpick.com  It is what a lot of utilities use to lower the hand-arm vibration in their pogo-stick tampers.

just a thought.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 05, 2006, 11:34:27 PM
Thanks AJ.  Lots of interesting stuff on that site.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on April 08, 2006, 03:58:15 PM
I want the "Pull it back" vacuum job.  for emptying (and backfilling) holes.  Picks up rocks to three and a half inches.

I'd be pretty durned sure I couldn't afford it.--Limited production with a 24 HP Honda engine?  I don't think so.  Certainly not for two or three uses.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 08, 2006, 06:30:48 PM
I liked the soil pick too-- seems like it took a lot of air though.

I got up the last section of siding on the wall today -- now on to some doors.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: jraabe on April 10, 2006, 09:35:02 AM
Just want to say this project is looking better all the time.  :D

Nobody but Glenn and Kathy could get so much soul out of such an inexpensive project.

With artistic scrounging, the necessary tools, skills and energy it is really possible to build just about anything. I'm sure they take it as just another challenge, but it is an inspiration to all owner builders to see that money is perhaps the least important ingredient in the mix.

50 years from now their property will have to be designated a "national heritage site"  8-) - You could probably retire in  a few years and just show tourists around. Be sure to collect a couple of bucks from each.

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on April 10, 2006, 02:13:27 PM
Glenn is the real dreamer & knows how to put things into action!!  :o  I'm more practical, although I know what I like... The RV garage is really neat - even though at 1st I wanted more of the house finished  ;) - it's the 1st thing you see as you drive over the rise in our driveway besides the garden on the rooftop & the shop.  You don't even realize there is a house anywhere.

John, talk about people touring the place... Glenn's parents were visiting (from Oregon) over the weekend - we took them to "The Bug Lodge" for breakfast (an international hostel on the way to Yosemite Nat'l Park).  While we were there, we met a couple from the Bay Area.  The wife was taking some classes on sustainable design in houses & when we told them what we were doing they were very interested so we invited them over to see the place.  They really seemed to like it... The husband had installed several very large solar systems, was an engineer, history teacher, had worked in Contra Costa county as a reserve officer patrolling the bay in boats - he said the meth dealers had their labs in boats off-shore & periodically they would blow up... interesting couple... of course we got to discussing politics & the state of the nation & world  ::) - they were pretty much like-minded.  

It's an adventure everyday - I never know what Glenn is going to come up with - I'm learning to just go along for the ride - he's too stubborn not to!!  (although I do put in my 2 cents  ;) )

Thanks for your kind words!  Glenn is back in Napa Valley - hopefully the rain lets up a little for them to get some work done.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 10, 2006, 10:35:46 PM
Thanks, John.  One of the more important things Kathy does is continuously clean up after me as I make messes while building.  I can trash a place quicker than anyone I know.

Always time for Countryplans - even in Napa--

I'm sure we're still under $200 total cash outlay on this project.  How it looks, even built with junk and recycled stuff is fairly important to me.  I find that the things we love about old buildings are not how straight , neat and perfectly aligned everything is.  That has it's place in modern conventonal houses.  Think of the cool places you like - old mine buildings  - crooked little shacks -fishing shanties - Disneyland rides- tree houses - then use things you find or make -odd unusual or whatever to make things look cool - not always straight and neat.  Rush the old look along a bit. :)

I'm hoping  that as the docent shows people through my estate she will tell the story of the eccentric old man who dug all of these holes in the mountainside.   Maybe somehow a bit before that time we could make a few bucks off of it. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 01, 2006, 12:58:15 AM
New toys slowing progress on the garage along with real work 5 days per week at this time.

I am redoing the drainage in front of the garage today after I got the new tracks mounted on the beast.  Some of the rocks go 2 or 3 feet into the ground and no matter how much horsepower you have, you  must pick them out one at a time.  Some take quite a while as they fit to each other like a jigsaw puzzle.  Now time to fix the hose on the Bobcat hydraulic jackhammer and give it a try.

105 turbocharged horsepower on an 11000 lb. machine is enough to do some pretty good damage.  This thing has the guts to spin the tracks going uphill loaded.  We have pointed rocks embedded in clay so the tracks should prevent destroying the tires.  I can now go up, down and sideways with very little fear of tipping the Bobcat over.  Seems it will take about a 30 to 40% grade sideways now that I have added 1000 lbs of tracks to the bottom.  The bucket is near a cubic yard capacity when heaped.  It will go up a nearly vertical bank a couple feet high backwards with a bit of a push from the bucket.  I added spacers to the hubs to make the tracks clear the frame and the tracks  added a few inches on each side also, greatly increasing stability.  This machine feels very stable even on a steep sidehill with rocks sticking out, unlike Bobcats without tracks.  I cleared out a couple thousand square feet of poison oak on a sidehill in about 20 minutes.

I'm so excited operating the 963 with the new tracks  that I feel I have superpowers.  Now I know how my son felt when he got his Spiderman Underoos for his 16th birthday. :)  (OKay - so he really won them on a radio station contest, but I had to get it in there that he was 16 years old and ecstatic about it.)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/kathypartyandbobcat016.jpg)

If you have hilly country property with brush and dirt projects, I highly recommend that you rent or buy one of these toys.  (Probably a good idea to keep your seat belt fastened along with the safety bar like I do just in case you get that unexpected "E" ticket ride.)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Daddymem on May 01, 2006, 05:17:19 AM
Looks like fun...I'd think I'd be a menace in that though.  ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 01, 2006, 07:24:31 AM
My wife said she had to go inside the house.  She said she prayed.  Good thing she did -- probably kept me from endo-ing that thing down the hillside forward.

It's more fun than ---I was gonna say pockets in your underwear--- but I messed that saying up.  It's handier than pockets in your underwear.  There - now I got it right.  I am not sure what it's more fun than - never had anything that fun yet.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on May 01, 2006, 10:24:09 AM
I need one!

Between hills and poison ivy, I need one!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Daddymem on May 01, 2006, 12:05:44 PM
Have you rolled it yet? (on purpose of course...gotta test the safety equipment somehow, right?)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on May 01, 2006, 07:06:16 PM
Daddymem!  Quit egging Glenn on!!  :o
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 02, 2006, 02:23:08 AM
I'm trying to keep from rolling it, Daddymem.  Sometimes the 200 lbs of fresh meat pulling the levers doesn't fare well in a multiple rollover situation.  Reminds me - I better check the ROPS fastening nuts -- had them loose the other day.  Not many things worse than loose nuts.  :-/  Slid sideways on the sidehill rocks and did a track wheely coming up the hill Sunday- gotta love that turbo.  After all that prayer in the Underground Cabin I thought I was invinceable.  I think this thing is near impossible to roll---yeah ---sure.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 07, 2006, 12:31:42 PM
Finally weather is cooperating and I am taking a work break.  Played with the Bobcat enough to be able to get out of the seat for at least a few minutes.  Yesterday I was feeling tired and needed rest so I jumped into the Bobcat and made fire trails around my and my neighbors property.  Talk about waking up!!  Did you know if you put about a 4000 lb boulder in the bucket of one of these things with tracks you can go up hills forward that are so steep you don't even want to walk up them? Got a bit more roof done this morning -- way too much coffee.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 07, 2006, 11:48:05 PM
Well - I finally built the 20 foot loft door.  

No -- it's not 20 feet tall ---- It's just that if you stand 20 feet away and look at it, it looks pretty good. :)

I'm not quite done yet.  As Mark Chenail says--- the trim will cover it.  I just had to nail it up temporarily --for a while---- for my viewing pleasure. :-/

I know, PEG --- the floor is a disaster area.  Sassy wanted me to save it for her, or I would have picked it up. ::)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006001.jpg)

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on May 07, 2006, 11:55:22 PM
Quote


I know, PEG --- the floor is a disaster area.  Sassy wanted me to save it for her, or I would have picked it up. ::)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006001.jpg)


  [size=12]

 :o Jees ya think :o  :o  ;D  Maybe the goat broke her leg in there, then the coyotes got her :o :o

 BTW your door looks pretty good by truck light ;)



 [/size]

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 07, 2006, 11:59:09 PM
It's all in the lighting, PEG.

You know my style--
Rustic Functional :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 29, 2006, 10:34:01 PM
Finally a break from work and a bit of time to get back onto this project.

I wanted to get started on the walkway on the driveway side as it would make things look more finished --- something I have a problem doing around here.

Framing was added on the 4'6" long 3x6 beams attached to the foundation.  I want a no cost walkway so chose rammed earth over salvage timbers and rock walls.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006030.jpg)

I put landscape netting over the timbers to tie the bottom of the clay together.  The clay rammed is good for about 100 lbs per square inch or more so will support walking and other loads just fine - the foundation under it is creosoted salvage 3x6's laid flat, rock or other rammed earth.  Later I will put a coating on the clay such as linseed oil or Henry's 107 in one of the formulations from Dirtcheap builder.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006028.jpg)

A load of fairly non-expansive mineral clay with some claystone and rock as dug saved from the excavation process is brought up in the Bobcat to put over the walkway to make the rammed earth walk.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006032.jpg)

I brought a few rocks from various places with the Bobcat  It has a 6000 lb tipping load and was tipping.  Rocks were out the front a bit so probably were at least 4000 to 5000 lbs each.  They were also permanent forms for the rammed earth as well as retaining walls to make the walk more level.  There is a small French drain made out of rocks under the walk at the  front of the building to help keep the timbers dry even though they are treated.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006033.jpg)

Here's about all that is going to get done for today.  At least it's more than was done yesterday.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: deertracks on May 29, 2006, 11:17:14 PM
Lookin good Glenn, and free is great. Now that's what I call ROCKS!! Our new neighbors just brought in some of those fake rocks. I have a little problem with them. Certain things just shouldn't be faux!!
deertracks
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on May 29, 2006, 11:26:01 PM
 Nice Rocks Glenn :) Boy one of those mothers rolls a guy could smash a finger ;)

Nice Bob cat  :)  Sassy's sez you like it better than C/Plans  :o

PEG
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 29, 2006, 11:28:42 PM
Thanks, Deertracks.  

I forgot to mention that I got the idea of rammed earth over wood from the Anasazi Indians of the Southwest.  Their dwellings use dirt over tree limb framing which is covered over with smaller limbs.  This makes a solid floor  or roof after clay is rammed on top.  The limbs are exposed below in their dwellings.  Many still standing after 400 to 800 years or better.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 29, 2006, 11:37:43 PM
Jigs up I guess, huh PEG.  Yep --I smashed it - I still haven't figured out how - I was throwing about a 200 lb rock behind the left big rock - I readjusted it to make it set better and --dang it --didn't pull that finger out quick enough.  Got about a 1 1/2 inch long gash filleted about to the bone on the side of my left index finger.  

Made it hard to do that work today ---no-- I didn't go to the doctor -- they scare me.  I'm a wuss.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006031.jpg)

Note - the rest are there -just folded over.  I'm not that careless. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on May 29, 2006, 11:43:40 PM
I tried to make him get it stitched up but he wouldn't go!  :-/ It closed up pretty good so figured if he didn't use it much it would be ok - but of course, he's not very cooperative, so now its been bleeding - just want to make sure he doesn't get it infected... he could still move the finger, so no tendons/ligaments cut.  I could have borrowed the suture stapler from my brother & stapled it up... my sister got it for him because he won't go to the doctor either - would sew up his cuts himself so she figured it was better for him to staple it!   :o  Men!  
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 29, 2006, 11:46:45 PM
Forgot to mention the Bobcat.

Walking down the road today I looked back at it tenderly and told it I loved it.  It's engine purred. :-[

It is the most exciting thing I've found since Sassy went on that first airplane ride to Mexico with me.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on May 29, 2006, 11:53:22 PM
Well you got that nurse right there so who needs a stinkin doctor , nurse's are much nicer they say :-/ :-/

 Photos even, you must have been planning ahead ta fess up as the photo is a day time shot  ;D

 Ya know I'm not sure the nurse nice thing is true . My sister is a nurse.

  My brother in law fell off his bike , peddle type ,  < he's a phy. putz , computer design engineer wiz,  but don't ask him for a screw driver you might get a butter knife , but that's another story. >  

  He falls off his bike and breaks his elbow, ::)

     < it's still not right and this was 3 years ago >  
 
 , anyway he calls my sister on his cell phone he's like 100 yards from home , she drives down and loads him in the car , drives back home , tells him " If your going to pass out toot the horn . I'm going to get dressed!"  :o :o :o
   She was in her house coat and P- Jays . She goes in the house changes , quickly , then drives him to the hospital . ::)

I'm thinkin lets head right to the hospital :o :o , poor David was in so much pain he couldn't say much of anything he said , so he just layed still. :'(

 My sister the nurse ;D kind / compassionate, stylish ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on May 30, 2006, 12:17:54 AM
Well, PEG, there really wasn't any hurry... I woulda gotten dressed too.  You know how emergency depts are--everyone that goes there thinks they have an emergency  ::)  ;) they probably sat there for a few hours anyway  :-/

(BTW, wasn't that a professional job I did with the yellow & red bandaids? )
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 30, 2006, 12:20:59 AM
I thought about it and took the picture but the picture was so good I didn't really want to put that beat up hand on there.  Figured I could if I shrunk it.  Time for the smooth skin cream.

There used to be a guy at work when I worked in the diesel shop -- Claude --- whenever he grabbed a heavy tool or hammer I was advised to run the other way.  He didn't have fingers ---he had spatulas --- flattened out stubbs of bone sticking out of the palms of his hands with battered skin over them.  He didn't worry about his own hands or anyone elses.  Hope I don't get that bad. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on May 30, 2006, 12:29:38 AM
QuoteWell, PEG, there really wasn't any hurry... I woulda gotten dressed too.  You know how emergency depts are--everyone that goes there thinks they have an emergency  ::)  ;) they probably sat there for a few hours anyway  :-/

(BTW, wasn't that a professional job I did with the yellow & red bandaids? )


Like I said it's a myth the kind nurse. :o :o
 
 I could tell Glenn didn't do it , he'd have used duct tape  ;) I like the blue painters tape myself , the blue looks nicer than gray ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on May 30, 2006, 12:45:52 AM
Good ole duct tape - I've seen a few patients come into the ER with that... I always have to laugh cuz it reminds me of Glenn & my brother - sometimes it's electrical tape...

if we made too much of a fuss over every little thing, our patients would freak out... we just have to make them think it isn't a big deal  ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on May 30, 2006, 09:53:47 PM
My local pharmacy has Gen-U-Wine duct tape adhesive bandages!

I've had it brought home to me too many times (recently--once with me, once with C.B. Barker) that if you don't get things stitched up they take about four times longer to heal.

My chopping onions one that did get a couple of stitches is still a bit numb.  C.B.'s cut actually cost more, and I was paying full retail price for mine, but the doctor's office was still open when I went, so no emergency room surcharge.

I do love the bandaids.  
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on May 31, 2006, 10:02:55 AM
Duct or Duck tape as well as electrical tape and parts of paper towels are good first choices for me -- We do keep a real first aid kit on the truck.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on May 31, 2006, 10:29:07 AM
Masking tape is good too.

Although we mostly used it on things like black fingernails before they fell off.

(I worked in a factory then, and we had access to those wonderful adhesive bandage things that would stay on until you took them off--or sweated them off.)

But the 3-M ones are a fairly close second or third.  And they come in "tatoos" as well as colors.

The Duct Tape bandages were a fairly standard size, but expensive--almost a buck apiece.  Just about worth it if they'd stay on.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 02, 2006, 09:23:49 AM
Waiting for materials at my jobsite yesterday, I did a no-no.  I went to the Harbor Freight Tool store.  It cost me money --but look what I saved!!

I've wanted a plate compactor for a couple of years now but even used  ones at rental companies were usually over $1000.

Harbor has a brand new one with a 6.5 horsepower Briggs and Stratton I/C (Industrial/Commercial) engine -cast iron sleeve to last a long time.  It lists for $699, but was on sale for $599.  This is a new product for them.  The quality looks very good.

Now my clay walkway and new floors will be flat instead of near flat and blacktop road repairs can be easily compacted.  

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91762

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/91762.gif)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 03, 2006, 11:54:47 PM
Kathy finished the plastering of the arch this week before she had to go back to the valley of darkness to work.  Good job too, even if I have to say so myself.  ::)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000486.jpg)

Finally a few more days off work so I can play with the RV storage garage. :)  I put more clay on the walkway and did the compaction on the first layer.  More packing and grading later.  

I decided it was time to start on the East porch so it would like I was doing something.  Since I don't have the benefit of plans for the post and beam porch I spent a little time figuring out what I wanted to do --then after that things progressed a bit quicker.  I went to a 2/12 pitch on the porch.  One of its functions is to get the runoff a bit farther from the sides of the building but I didn't want to lose to much height either.

Another requirement was that it be nearly free so I chose to continue using the bridge timbers.  They matched the general style also.  Some of the used corrugated sheeting had so many nail holes it looked like someone shot it with a shotgun, but it was free, rustic and a tube of caulking is only a few bucks--- wait a minute --- I may still have some left from a job -- gray --- the right color too. :)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000485.jpg)

I started putting the tin roof on the porch after this picture was taken as it was getting toward dusk.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: cecilia on June 04, 2006, 02:49:47 AM
It's all looking so good Glenn - and Kathy has done a fabulous job on the archway.

Maybe she'd like to come down here and help me do something creative with my garden shed. We're hoping to be a little more adventurous with that than we dared to be with the house.

cecilia
www.duckpond-design.com.au/theduckpond
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Daddymem on June 04, 2006, 06:13:19 AM
Nice arch!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 04, 2006, 10:14:44 AM
 lookin good  :)
I see only Sassy got the invite , Cecilia's  seen to many bobcat photos Glenn :o She's might be afraid to let you near her garden's  ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 04, 2006, 10:33:59 AM
PEG, If you have gone through Cecilia's web site real well you will know that not too deep down inside, Cecilia is lusting after my Bobcat.  She would love to jump in the seat of it, get control of that 105 turbo-charged horse power and really tear something up.  Maybe dig a new garden spot or pond.  

I'm sure the invitation would extend to me if I brought the Bobcat. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: cecilia on June 04, 2006, 05:00:24 PM
Hi Glenn

Yes - the invitation certainly extends to you too (but I suspect Sassy is the one who shares my love of the garden). And your bobcat would be more than welcome - especially if you let me play with it.

Actually what I really need next summer is a machine which can completely clean out a rogue weed (with leaves which look like waterlilies) from my pond!

I made great home made bread for guests.

cecilia
www.duckpond-design.com.au/theduckpond
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 04, 2006, 06:51:59 PM
I'm already hungry ----and now you say you made homemade bread. :-/

We used to have Koi fish on our pond and put lillys - wild ones of some kind in the pond.  They died because the fish ate the roots.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 04, 2006, 11:54:13 PM

Looked at a job today for a customer/friend (in our community most customers become friends so you have to treat them right -and if you don't the whole community will know).  

Did a bit more work on the East porch.  Roofing is on - how fitting that I did it on a Sunday --- it is very holy.   In the night - if there is enough light in the sky - it looks like a little planetarium under the roof. :-/


(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage002.jpg)

It feels like a very old building already.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage004.jpg)

The rammed earth walk is very solid -- feels like the ground.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/rvgarage005.jpg)

I took this picture from off to the side, but as you come in from the driveway you would never know there was another story below.

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on June 07, 2006, 03:27:01 PM
Thanks for the compliments on the plaster job... it's certainly not perfect but it looks pretty good overall.  Glenn had attached chicken wire to the inside, it was difficult to fit flush to the surface & stuck out a couple inches on both ends - he had to use a type of wire on the ends that sprung back into a circular shape (don't know what the technical name is).  Trying to get the plaster to stick to the top & sides was a challenge, it kept falling down - had it in my hair & all over  :-/ - had to crawl inside to finish some of it... put on about 3 coats altogether.  I think I'm about ready to get the cement board & try out some mosaic for the walls that will surround my clawfoot slipper tub in the master bath!

Nandajor inspired me & I guess I've gotten enough practice with plastering.  We installed the counter & floor tiles in our place in the valley.  Great idea to place the cement board on plywood & work with it that way - I had wanted to do something like that but couldn't imagine working with it while on the walls...  at least this way, you can work with it while being half way comfortable!  :)

Cecilia, I'm wanting a pond outside, somewhere close by where I can look out at it while in the house.  :) Eventually we also want to put a small pond at the base of the uphill patio & have a rock waterfall going down into it.  Probably have some koi or goldfish - the water would circulate through the hydroponics garden above in the greenhouse.  You would be able to see it from most areas of the house.  So many dreams & plans - enough to keep us busy for a long time!   ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 07, 2006, 10:55:07 PM
Quote


 :) Eventually we also want to put a small pond at the base of the uphill patio & have a rock waterfall going down into it.  Probably have some koi or goldfish -  ;)


 The racoon's will [size=22]   REALLY   [/size] like that/  ;Dor them :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on June 07, 2006, 11:21:32 PM
hopefully, by the time we get to the pond the rest of the house will be closed in...  :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 07, 2006, 11:50:11 PM
So the pond will be inside the house?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 08, 2006, 12:00:25 AM
Yes -- I though it might be nice to have a small stream and pond in the deeper part of the house- a few fish - fresh fish for dinner---doesn't everybody have one?  :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 08, 2006, 12:05:58 AM
Some folks do ,  :o

 (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/June67.jpg%20 )

 (https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/June66.jpg%20 )

 This was more like a steam room, small lil leak in a pressure line , what a mess :'(

   
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 08, 2006, 12:11:12 AM
I hope to have it rather controlled - and landscaped.

Pump up to hydroponic vegetables return to the fish pond -- actually eating fish - not decorative.  Plants use the nitrogen - the stream trickling down shoud put oxygen back into the water.

Now can I make it take care of itself with timers etc. for extended periods of time?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 14, 2006, 01:47:23 AM
A bit more progress today.  Got a day off work finally when Sassy was home to do all the manual labor. :)

We moved all the building junk and put the old car in her new home.   Weather has straightened up now and major activities in the garage are pretty well done on the top floor.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000500.jpg)

Here is a story that tells how the hay harpoon fork was used in the old days.  I still have to brace the hoist beam and extend the front over the hay trolley.

http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/articles/artint110.htm
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: jonseyhay on June 14, 2006, 01:54:43 AM
Looks real good mate. Just got to get the gardener on the job now. ;)
Do those loft doors open or are they just for looks.
BTW nice job on the spam.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 14, 2006, 02:05:08 AM
The loft door will work as soon as I put hinges on it.  Just added a link to the hay fork info.  Might be good if I got the loft floor in too.  Just finishing things for looks right now.

There will be a 12"x12" x 24' planter box on the left side for a hand rail.  Then the gardener can go to work. :)

Hope the spammer is under control.  I'm still researching and adding blocks etc. to try to stop him better.  We had it easy -- some boards got 350 spams from this guy in a night.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 18, 2006, 12:22:03 PM
Yesterday's slight progress.  Keep in mind that I don't want to spend any unnecessary money on this project.  We are still at under $200.

I am starting to cover the underground section on the west side where the excavation is still open to the outside.  The ground is so hard and full of rocks here that a retaining wall is not really necessary.  It just requires that I get back far enough from the edge for stability and moisture control.  This will help keep with the cave look when complete and give me room to dig the Jimmy Casson Tunnel to the Underground Cabin

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000505.jpg)

The railroad tie is set on rocks for a foundation support and drainage in case the ground gets wet.  Since I am putting a carport/utility area above the open area it will be necessary for the floor to support 1 wheel of a car or about 1000 lbs plus about 6" of soil weight.  I will test it with 1/2 the weight of the Bobcat 11000/2=5500 lbs.  Since 1/2 the weight will be held by the RR tie and 1/2 the weight will go to the header to the left, each side will need to hold 2750 lbs.  This can be further divided on the header by saying that each end of it gets 1/2 of that weight or 1375 lbs.  There --That doesn't sound so bad does it?  I will use bridge timbers laid flat for the floor/first floor ceiling, covered with tarpaper and plastic before backfilling.

I put dry clay soil over the rocks supporting the tie and washed it in with water to glue the foundation rocks together.  It was left down enough to still allow drainage.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000506.jpg)

Don't ask me how bad I got the Bobcat stuck on top the pile of rocks and between the two Oak trees at the same time---with tracks even-----I don't wanna talk about it.

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 18, 2006, 02:42:36 PM
Quote

Don't ask me how bad I got the Bobcat stuck on top the pile of rocks and between the two Oak trees at the same time---with tracks even-----I don't wanna talk about it.


 Sassy Photos ,  :-/ Please  :-* HeHee he  ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 18, 2006, 03:00:43 PM
Fortunately, she was at work, and like you, PEG only gets what I allow her to have. :-/

The giant ripped off sections of bark in the picture should tell you something though.  They didn't have a scratch on them before the "incident".  Note that I only damaged 3' of one clapboard on the garage getting out ---- and it only took about an hour---- and I only had to pile rocks and boards under the tracks two or three times---- and I only bent one rock guard on the tracks---- and I only got one 8 inch diameter rock stuck in the tracks between the two tires---and ... --- ...   ... --- ...         too late---I'm already out. ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on June 18, 2006, 04:01:30 PM
Quote

 Fortunately, she was at work, and like you, PEG only gets what I allow her to have. :-/



Yes ,,oh powerful and mighty adminastrator  ;D

We tremble at your obesences , and stand in awe of your granduer ;D ;D

 Seriously though folks could learn " what not to do" from photos as well as what to do .

 Note to self , Stay well clear when Glenn's operating machinary ;D

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Sassy on June 18, 2006, 04:18:34 PM
Hey, that's nothing!  You should have seen him the other day - he was laying culvert pipe - foot in diameter, for a guy he's helping build a house for.   Anyway, the guy had dug a 6-7 ft deep trench with his excavator & had one track barely resting on the edge - anyway, when the guy started filling the trench back up, the side of the trench broke & for some reason the excavator didn't fall over...   :o  I think it was all the prayers  ::) anyway, Glenn started shoveling dirt in the trench - they ended up shoveling about 3 yds of dirt - lots of fun - were able to keep the excavator from tipping over but it lost a track in the meantime.  Now I should have taken a picture of that!   ;D  Sassy
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 18, 2006, 04:51:59 PM
You may get up now, PEG.  :)

Sassy does better when she's not watching---- always praying otherwise. ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on June 26, 2006, 01:25:01 AM
I got the West walkway covered clear out to the end now -- I drove the Bobcat over the parking area with a full bucket - should have weighed in at about 14000 lbs.-- Half of that was supported by the bridge timbers .

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000511.jpg)(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000515.jpg)

Getting more cave-y looking all the time.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000513.jpg)(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000517.jpg)

My buddy gave me that big stack of corrugated iron the other day so I can continue to expand at no cost. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on July 03, 2006, 01:32:36 AM
I threw a 23" dia x 20 foot log on the sawmill today.  Got some nice boards for the garage.

I cut a 2 x 14 for the steep stairs and started laying them out.  I am limited for space to get to the loft so went with a 9 3/4 rise to 7 1/2 run.

I set the stair gages for that rise and run to make layout easy.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/pic308a.jpg)

Here they are on the square for laying out the stair.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000523.jpg)

I cut to the corner with the skill saw then finished with the hand saw to keep from weakening the stringer by overcutting.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000526.jpg)

After I made the first one I tried it - made a couple of slight adjustments then it was ready to use as a pattern for the other stringer.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000529.jpg)

The thickness of the tread must be taken off the first riser.  The top riser must come out flush with the second floor so be sure to allow for it.

There are different ways to do the stairs -- this is just the way I did mine - note that this is not a code stair.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on July 11, 2006, 11:01:30 PM
The grandkids were up Saturday wanting to do something, so we put extra joists in the loft to cut the floor span down to 24" spacing.  This way I could use 3/4" boards and conserve my good logs -- still plenty of bridge timbers left.  Danny, our friend from the valley came up to help with the floor.  He considers it his recreation.

I cut 1x16"s 20 feet long for the loft floor decking.  They are green and will shrink about 7/8" overall -- the gaps will be big enough to fill with strips, and , hey - it's just a storage loft in a garage. :)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000541.jpg)

Thinking about putting a tempered glass with wood diagonals over it here.  Chair is in the cupola.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000540.jpg)

Holes are almost small enough so I won't lose any small children through them. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on August 09, 2006, 09:17:48 PM
Back from the family reunion -- currently sitting in the above chair in the cupola on the net, testing out a problem with my DSL.  Had to hook up at the telephone pedestal so thought I would try the wireless here..  Current views are only about 40 miles over the valley below due to smoke from fires and usual smog in the San Joaquin, but still with doves cooing in the nearby trees and the sun slowly sinking in the West..... what a relaxing place. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: desdawg on August 11, 2006, 09:48:51 AM
Glenn, the garage is beautiful. I think we may be kindred spirits. I love building stuff out of nothing. It is one of my greatest joys. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the Bobcat. I have had an 863 for quite some time and they are really versatile. I have a set of pallet forks, a post auger and a trenching attachment for mine. I bought a dozer blade attachment a while back but I don't have the poop to use it. That makes your tracks look pretty interesting. However last year about December 15th I talked to my bean counter about where I would be at tax time and he said you will owe $xx,xxx and I said "NO Way" so I raced around and found this:
(http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/1959/cat939leftfront4vn.jpg)
I would rather have this and a payment book than a cancelled check to the IRS. It now has bucket teeth and it is ready to "rock".
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on August 11, 2006, 11:20:00 PM
Thanks for the compliment-- I have to get to work on it again -- and fix things that get away from me when working away, and when it's too hot out.

That Cat's a beauty desdawg.  

Always buy new toys if it looks like you may have to pay.  You can't have much fun with a spent check.  

I used to put slopeboards on Cats etc, of all sizes.  

I tried a blade on mine and at 1/4 throttle I was afraid I was going to fold it in half so I decided to get or make a heavy duty tilt-tach rather than fool with a blade.  The tracks are great- the rocks here would shred my tires In a few hours.  Already blew a $350 tire in about 20 hours even with the tracks.  --Rocks embedded in clay -- sharp ones.

Tracks make all the difference in the world -- over the tire ones seem best - lots of problems and fast wear out with dedicated track machines -and real expensive to change.

I've been in your area when trucking years ago-- way too hot for me.  Even hotter than here if that's possible.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: desdawg on August 13, 2006, 11:10:47 AM
Where did you get the tracks for your Bobcat Glenn? I see rubber track kits around. Did you give those any consideration?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on August 13, 2006, 01:00:36 PM
I got mine directly from McLaren Industries.  They make rubber and full steel for the smaller ones but mine is too big so only has the open bar type available.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on August 14, 2006, 01:49:27 AM
Our friend, Danny came up today to help do a bit more on the Garage.  Project of the day was getting the planter done so we could get a crop in before winter.  I needed a guard around the front - rail coming soon, and a place to keep plants away from the large rodents we call deer.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000724.jpg)

The planter is made from a log slab - first cut cap 20' long.  It is about 16" deep and 18" wide at the top.  I wanted to be able to grow root crops.  Also by using a slab I could tell PEG it was the log that was crooked - not my building.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000727.jpg)

We put boards under the plastic to make reservoirs about 2" deep in the bottom - also gave us an easy way to splice the plastic by lapping over the board.  

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000732.jpg)

Roots need air and water to grow so we put 4" drain tubes in the bottom with socks over them to prevent clogging before putting in the compost.  This will also store water to keep things growing well.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000737.jpg)

I wanted the supports to match the scheme so used old barbed wire to help hold the weight.  Note the dogs leg bone used as a winder to tighten the wire. :)

Just kidding there --it's really a piece of wood that looks like one --- yeah -- I know --I'm one sick puppy --- maybe because I'm missing a hind leg--- doggone it-- I have to stop this. :-/



Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on October 10, 2006, 12:01:22 AM
Well - more progress today but not because I wanted to or had time.  I went to water the plants in the planter and the stupid deer had eaten about a third of them  --- so deer proof the walkways to the planter.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1010019.jpg)

It takes about a 7 foot fence to keep them out so I made gate frames and covered them with aviary netting.  Then I had to put up hand rails to make a fence so they wouldn't jump behind the doors.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1010018.jpg)

The hinges were made from reinforced fire hose cut into rectangles on the table saw then shot on with 1/4" crown x 1" staples.  Latches were made from bent nails.  The fencing is jute landscape erosion control netting stapled to the hand rails and floor framing.  It should last about a year unprotected from my previous experience.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1010020.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: mark_chenail on October 16, 2006, 01:02:50 PM
GLENN:  Im just absolutely blown away by this project.  I dont know HOW I missed this thread until today, but sure glad I stumbled on it this morning.  This is just a wonderful building and its given me a couple of great ideas and solutions.


My house in Missouri has these two wooden chimney stacks about 4 x 8 that hide the triple wall chimneys from the fireplaces. They are a bit oversized as they help support the roof ridge, but they give the house a bit of presence too.  One of them has two chimneys running up through it and the extra space provides some closet space in a bedroom.  The other has the big chimney for the living room's fireplace and the extra space is going to be used as a utility closet for the free electric garage furnace I got the other day.  im going to use the shaft to run some ductwork to the upstairs bedrooms and over the living room ceiling to to give some auxiliary heat.   ANYwho    Ive been trying to think of some way to side the exterior of those two chimneys.  I didnt want T1-11(like a bad 80s condo) and rock facing would have looked good but beyond my skills, ability and budget.  I thought about old slates, but I think that adirondack siding might be just the deal.  It would give plenty of rustic texture and if stained gray would give the effect of courses of rough stone slabs.  And I bet I can get it cheap from the local sawmill.
And Ive been wanting to build a little barn into the ravine behind the house and this is just what I want.  I might make the side walls a big taller and widen the side porches to make a little chicken house on one side and a small goat shed on the other.
And it would look just dandy as a boat house on my pond.  The pond sits down in another little ravine.   Store the row boat in the arch area and the upper level at the top of the ravine.  A nice little summer house with a little cantilever end balcony where I could sit and read and throw a fishing line in the pond. :)
Heres a pic of me and Jon at the pond. The drop off is a good deal steeper than it looks:

(https://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/butlerboi/sepiapond.jpg)

And maybe something along these lines.  This is somewhere in Tuscany but a definite italian cousin to your building.  Maybe you  and Sassy need a guesthouse near that future pond.

(https://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f332/butlerboi/loggiahouse-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on October 16, 2006, 09:37:42 PM
Glad you enjoyed it , Mark.  I think I can safely say that I am still at under $200 for this project.  I used some twisted salvage 2x4's I bought from the lumber yard for the deer fence/handrail and about 35 feet of jute netting.  This was probably in the area of $20 added cost to the cement, nails and felt.

I modified the Little House Plans (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html) from The Big Enchilada Kit (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/43.html) to go post and beam because I wanted to get a feel for the look and size.  Everybody who see's it really likes it.

The Adirondack siding is one of my favorites.

I have been considering a rainwater catching pond but that will be for another year.  Still too many unfinished things.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on October 20, 2006, 01:00:45 PM
The planter is looking better a few weeks after being ravaged by the deer (large furry rodents -  Deer= a method of keeping fresh meat).  Maybe you have to have an overabundance of them to get tired of always having to protect yourself from them.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1010151_edited.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 17, 2006, 02:23:17 AM
Tore up the mighty Bobcat last weekend - told my buddy,Al and he was down here determined that we were going to get it fixed immediately.  We ganged up on it, tore it apart on Sunday afternoon -- clear into the belly of the whale-- and found the problem.

While working on a bit of fine grading around the outside of the bedroom on the Underground Cabin, the idler shaft lock nuts came loose allowing the shaft to drop into the chain case and the final reduction idler gear to roll around loose in the case.  With Al's determination and ingenuity we were able to repair the shaft, replace the damaged bearing cup, get a spacer from Chicago and get it back together tonight.  Not bad for a couple of good ol' redneck boys if you ask me.  We are working some barter on my old truck for the labor.  Trading is good. :)

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006028.jpg)

The loose parts were found in the bottom of the chain case under about 30 gallons of oil about 2 feet under the drivers seat.  What fun. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on November 17, 2006, 10:45:40 PM
Sounds like all kinds of fun!

that I'd just as soon miss.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on February 28, 2007, 11:25:34 AM
The RV garage gets a snow job.

Snow started last night - we got about 9 inches.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/Snow%20February%2028%202007/P1010525_edited.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on March 03, 2007, 08:46:32 AM
Purty!  (and why I thought fairly seriously about moving to Alabama or Mississippi when I left Nashville)

Crocuses and daffodils are blooming their little heads off here.  And we're getting in another cold front.  I was hoping to plaster this week and get the last of the windows in at the barn.  Bad idea.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on March 03, 2007, 12:57:56 PM
Purty as long as it doesn't overstay its welcome.  It does give a bit more water penetration time into our clay soil on the mountain though.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Amanda_931 on March 04, 2007, 09:31:48 PM
There is that.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 06, 2007, 11:22:57 PM
Expansion time has come.  We made the rock walls around the raised garden beds beside the garage, and now comes time to fence out the deer before they eat everything in sight.  

This couldn't be a simple straightforward fence job--- no way.  Before I do that I have to put the addition on to the right side of the garage as the fence has to hook to it.  

Can't do that until I regrade the drive to keep water going the right direction.  

Can't build the framing until we pull more nails out of the bridge timbers.  Get a bunch out and am not satisfied with the quality of the timbers so have to get more.  Then comes grade- I decide to brace posts and level with a 4 foot level.  Stakes are driven into the claystone and rock soil. Posts are drilled and stood - beams fit as necessary to hook into the RV garage.  

Two things are key here - it must be near free.  It must look decent and old.

Just in time a friend brings over a load of 2x4s and timbers, and mentions he has corrugated metal at his house for me.  He was going to bring it in a couple weeks but I said I would get it as I needed it now.  There goes -- blew my budget.  40 mile round trip in the Dodge uses about $9 worth of diesel.  Then nails --- had to buy roofing nails at the store.  Bummer that cost $2.59 a lb for 2.5 lbs -- there goes another $6.50.  Wow - this hurts. :'(

This area is to be used for the steam engine and other old antique machines - a bit of a museum.  Sassy wants room to sit around out there in the shade also -- guess I'll have to see if I can make room for her. :-/  Hope she doesn't get mistaken for an antique. :o

Pictures in the next day or so.



Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 09, 2007, 12:57:15 AM
OK - I wasn't ready to show you this but I didn't want you to think I wasn't doing anything so here it is in all of it's unfinished glory.  More to come soon.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1010717_edited.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on April 09, 2007, 01:13:07 AM
Following the progress, such that it is   ;D  . Can't hardy wait wait till the end of May rolls 'round and I can take off for the mtns. all summer and get some work done myself.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 09, 2007, 01:19:57 AM
Every time I try to do one thing I have to do six other things first.  Clean up piles of lumber - steel dirt etc.  But -- it continues one thing at a time. :-/

I forgot -- were you going to be able to check in from your project, Don :-?
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on April 09, 2007, 01:27:58 AM
Quote-- were you going to be able to check in from your project, Don :-?

Not at present, but we'll be back and forth during the week so I'll be able to keep up, as long as the backload doesn't get out of hand. But I do tend to stay up late.  :)  
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 09, 2007, 01:36:31 AM
Me too - no self discipline.  Must keep the forum moving though. ::)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on April 09, 2007, 01:42:37 AM
'Tween you and me, and anyone else who reads this; this is one great forum.   :) I don't know how I came across it but it was a worthwhile "google" .

G'nite
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on April 09, 2007, 01:45:20 AM
G'nite Don-boy. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on July 02, 2007, 05:51:53 PM
Most of these are covered here in the threads but -- here is a link to my Photobucket Album after it was moved from Yahoo.

https://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/Rammed%20Earth%20Garage/?start=0

Here is a little slide show.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/Rammed%20Earth%20Garage/th_ccc4scd.jpg) (https://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/Rammed%20Earth%20Garage/?action=view&current=0d3c71cc.pbw)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: jraabe on July 02, 2007, 09:26:35 PM
Most cool :)

And you work fast! What did that take? 5 seconds? :o
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on July 02, 2007, 10:27:14 PM
Not much longer than that -- maybe 10. :)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: dtvperfect on July 16, 2007, 12:29:59 PM
Wow and Thanks!

I have accumulated a mass of material (steel beams, Old 6x6 from building tear down and such).

Using your example, I now have a plan for my material.  Utilizing compaction and slope of my land.  I too am going to do the 2 story garage.  Top will be "Pretty" for the wife, but the bottom floor (rear) for all my tractor attachments and such..  Out of site from the main driveway.  Your example filled in the blanks for me, which was what to do the walls in underground.  Poured concrete was too expensive.  This will work.  I hope to start this fall.

thanks Again!
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on July 17, 2007, 12:16:58 AM
Wow-- glad you could benefit from that. :)

Please post information and pictures of your project if possible.  

Welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 07, 2007, 10:33:07 PM
Expanding the area around the garage.  We now have some puppies that act like frisky little puppies.  Run through the garden -- run on top the house at 4:30am etc.  Too much energy. :-/

I needed to fence them out but in order to do that I had to put in the deck I was going to add onto the side of the garage and over to the carport.  If I didn't I would just have to tear the fence out again to do the deck so --today it was. :)

This was one of those smooth as glass projects.  Architect, engineering, permits, approvals (at least the ones I asked for)  including building it completely and passing all requested inspections took a total of about 6 hours.   ::):o ;D  

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000638.jpg)

Total cost for materials was about $5.00 worth of nails, $2.00 diesel for the forklift.  $5.00 Chicken wire for safety netting between the hand rails.  About $10 worth of reject 2x4s from the lumber yard.  All of the rest of the materials were given to me.  Mike gave me the plywood from his project.  Highway contractor supplied the bridge timbers including delivering them.  Other 2x4s were given to me.  Nails were removed from bridge timbers by Sassy's son.

Slope on the deck was 1/2 / 12 to be comfortable to use but still drain water back for the trees and cactus.  Excess will be drained off by a drainage ditch

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000639.jpg)

View from the cupola of the RV garage.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000643.jpg)

And view of the garage patio area roof just because I thought it looked cool.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000646.jpg)

I will put some kind of waterproof surface over it later -maybe plastic membrane and linseed oiled cob or possibly Jack Bays rubber slate if I can find the recipe again. :)

Total area of the deck is about 250 sf.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: peg_688 on November 07, 2007, 11:47:00 PM
 How many and what kind? Puppies that is  ;) I see three , look like Sooner hounds of some type.  
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 07, 2007, 11:57:45 PM
There are 4 here now.  Heinz 57 with a good portion of Queensland Heeler -- Mother was a tall slim hyper dog - slight look of a
Whippet but larger -- Black and White.

They won't stay still long enough to get a good picture.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on November 08, 2007, 12:07:20 AM
Give them each a bowl of ground meat and they'll stay glued to the bowl  :D

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 12:07:47 AM
Here's one more of them, but they were barking at me because ai had the camera.  They will be fairly large I think - probably size of a German Shepherd  -- Sassy says the father was a Queensland Heeler / German Shepherd mix.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 12:08:49 AM
I know---

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/P1000636.jpg)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on November 08, 2007, 12:18:21 AM
Uh.. Glenn... ya' know you can go back and edit your own posts by clicking on the "modify" link.... SLAP!!!   ;D ;D ;D

Nice pups.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 12:26:03 AM
Yeah -- but sometimes if others are viewing what I posted, I post a new one so that they will know I updated.  Otherwise they may not know I edited. ;D

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on November 08, 2007, 12:28:10 AM
So true, oh wise and considerate one.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 12:29:33 AM
I can't help it. :-[ ;D
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 08, 2007, 08:33:35 AM
Glenn are they hyper?  My son has an Aust  blueheeler. Smart but hyper and HARDHEADED.  This is his second one. First got on the road. I been working with a collar to keep him on the right side of the bridge.  Figured out that if the collar was on it's a nono but with it off it's ok.  Now if I can just get her to quit herding my daughter around nipping at her heels I will have mastered her.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 09:17:30 AM
Semi-hyper.  Not as bad as the mother, but plenty active.  They don't runn the countryside like some I have seen, but they do like to get up and 4:30am and start wildly romping and playing.  I will be continuing fencing them off the top of the house and garden today.  I have deer fence all around but it doesn't work with dogs. :-/  Not tight enough at the bottom...yet.

We are just getting them to quit jumping up on us...almost. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 08, 2007, 04:10:24 PM
Hard habit to break. Have you tried to step on their back feet when they jump up?  This seems to work fairly well. Don't have to stomp just let them know that it is unexceptable.  I have a friend who has a Golden Retriever that is really bad about that. But she jumps so fast you can't get to her feet and she's off.  He might try a collar but just as water does the person she has jumped on is a good conductor as well :o
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 06:14:36 PM
We are getting the jumping down to almost acceptable now.  Today they tried to follow us down the road after we successfully got them fenced off the house and out of the garden.  I stopped the car - grabbed rocks and chased them back up the road to the house yelling and throwing rocks with the occasional contact.  That should have been enough to scare anybody.  The alternative is let them be pests and get shot or animal control after them.  

They were all home -- outside the garden when we got back.  They are still learning what is permitted and what is not. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: Redoverfarm on November 08, 2007, 07:46:44 PM
Glenn  I don't like to keep dogs tied up or in cages. But for now until this one knows where he is allowed to be and were not to be it will be confinement.  I live 1/4 mile from a busy road.  That got the second one.  First one was a Aust Shepherd (probably the best of three) multi colored but looked a little like a coyote at a distance.  Had the weirdest eyes. They were split colored blue and brown. Get this though one was split colored horizontal and the other verticle. Scary to look at in the face.  He was left loose until he paired up with a couple of bear dogs dropped off and followed them away. Haven't seen him since.

To listen to me you would think I am crazy about dogs. Not really but when you have a 12 yoa boy he just has to have a dog.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn-k on November 08, 2007, 08:51:55 PM
I've had dogs since I was little.  I haven't had one here for the last few years as I wasn't around enough part of the time, but am closer to home most of the time now so I'll give it a try again.  

The little guys did pretty good today  Located all of the holes for me to fix so maybe tonight they will let me get more than 4 hours of sleep.  Looks like they have the no jumping thing down a bit better tonight too. :)

I have to agree with you -- a dog that has to be tied up isn't able to do the job he is being paid to do.   :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on March 02, 2008, 05:55:11 PM
Glenn, how much did you overlap the rough sawn siding? How dry/wet was the wood and did you get much longitudinal shrinking? Across the width?

I'm trying to get a good price from the sawmill as we love the look of the natural edge.  Oh, one more question; did you cut the covered edge straight and square or leave it natural as well?  I know, I'm just full of questions.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on March 02, 2008, 11:25:02 PM
Not a problem, Don. 

I lapped it about an inch and got near that much shrinkage -- It is only a garage but it has a couple places that a bit more lap would have been nicer.

I would say 12 inch boards shrunk 3/4 to 7/8.  One year or so old whole logs cut into boards.  Not super wet cedar.  Remember to make a bit more lap than that at your narrowest place.  Lengthwise was negligible.

I cut the covered edge off as it is easier to get a good lap with only one wavy edge.  You can do that with a chalkline and skilsaw rather than bother the mill with it if you like.

I think I only cut them about 1/2 inch thick as I was only concerned with covering the empty wall space.  Some go 5/8.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 23, 2008, 01:58:20 AM
Got a few e-mail questions today - thought they may be of interest here. :)


Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:59:07 -0800
From: Terry
Subject: saw mill questions?
To: glenn-k

Hi Glenn,
I just read the forum "building a near free RV storage garage". I was absolutely blown away by this project. It turned out great! I figured you could best answer my question about milling logs. I live in Arkansas and we cut down several large southern pine trees clearing the way to build our cabin. I would love to cut several 1x6's from these pines to use in our cabin for ceiling, walls, etc. My question is, Is there a time frame to when these pine logs can be cut and used? I'm wondering about shrinkage after cutting. Does the cut lumber have to dry before using? My husband and I think its a waste of good pine not to mill them. We've never had logs milled before and don't really know if it would be worth it.
I really enjoy reading the forums at Country Plans and have already bought one of Johns plans.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Terry

Hi Terry,

The Southern pine is a great wood for building with.  The cutting could be best done within the first 6 months or so -- They can be good for up to a couple of years but get a bit harder to cut and check- crack into the sides of the log  and into the boards as they get older.

To keep them good a bit longer, it is best that they are kept out of contact with the soil.  Use waste logs or rail road ties etc to get them off of the ground.  Destruction beyond usability can occur in a year or maybe less.

Sometimes poor wood can be used in low strength applications such as siding or something else.  If in contact with the soil, fungi send out tendrils into the soil and draw water into the log to help decompose it, causing a lot of the wood to decay and it may not be usable.  Bugs love the wet wood and termites - grubs - beetles etc go to work.  This is not all bad though.  If the decay is not too bad then the beetle larvae leave neat trails under the bark in the cambium layer and especially if it is to be used as posts or whole logs - beams etc, it has a nice decorative effect to it.  The bugs working help you to remove the bark easier - around 6 months or so.

Shrinkage at about the rate of 5/8 inch or so per foot of width does occur as the wood dries and varies with types and conditions.  The water between the cells must dry out before the water in the cells will dry out causing the shrinkage so depending on conditions it can take around a year air drying.  Use wet OK ?- yes...Simply allow for it in your design using plenty of lap or board and batten etc.  If making shiplap, I go about 7/8" wide laps on wet wood, or if just edge lapping then I go around 1" or so - especially if wavy edges are used - do it at the narrowest point.

I'd say mill and use them -- you will enjoy having your own natural resources in your house.

I will post this to the forum under the garage topic also removing your address details, but please feel free to email or post - either way.

Hoping to see some of your topics on the forum also.

Glenn
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2008, 02:22:11 AM
A moisture meter can be a good tool to have when using your own timber/wood. A moisture content of 14% is generally the maximum if you are going to paint. That may take a while to achieve when air drying.

Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 23, 2008, 02:26:51 AM
A good point, Don -Harbor Freight has them cheap too.

Another thing is that wood doesn't have to be painted.  May hundred year old houses around here with no paint.  Furniture or logs look nice with a clear finish on them though.  We like gloss.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2008, 02:32:02 AM
Yep... agreed paint is not necessary, but sometimes useful. A clear finish lets the wood show through,  :)  However, IMO, wood should never be glossy.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

But that's why there are different folks, as well as different finishes.   ;D   Sounds like a potential topic for a poll...  rofl



Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: MountainDon on December 23, 2008, 02:36:38 AM
FWIW, foliage of Christmas trees will not support flame unless the moisture content has fallen to values of 50 to 65 percent (varies by species).

There is no documented evidence that a natural Christmas tree ever self ignited.

??? :o [crz] rofl
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 24, 2008, 01:48:03 AM
Good info, Don....although my wife thinks I may spontaneously combust at some time in the near future... [crz]  At least I will not worry about the trees.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: sjk4x4@hotmail.com on March 31, 2010, 01:46:14 AM
If I had seen your instructions on t.v., Id say "B.S.!  Who has that many heavy construction tools and gets that many materials for free!" Your finds are awesome.
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: rick91351 on March 31, 2010, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: sjk4x4@hotmail.com on March 31, 2010, 01:46:14 AM
If I had seen your instructions on t.v., Id say "B.S.!  Who has that many heavy construction tools and gets that many materials for free!" Your finds are awesome.

Hey welcome w* from Rick

One thing about people on this forum; some take scavenging and salvage to a new height.  (Glen is a master guru if this.)

It really is a case of one mans junk pile is another mans treasure.         

 
Title: Re:A near free RV storage
Post by: archangel on April 01, 2010, 09:52:18 AM
So, how is the finger doing after healing all this time?
If it were me it would probably be good for pointing or scratching, but not much else.


Quote from: glenn-k on May 29, 2006, 11:37:43 PM
Jigs up I guess, huh PEG.  Yep --I smashed it - I still haven't figured out how - I was throwing about a 200 lb rock behind the left big rock - I readjusted it to make it set better and --dang it --didn't pull that finger out quick enough.  Got about a 1 1/2 inch long gash filleted about to the bone on the side of my left index finger.  

Made it hard to do that work today ---no-- I didn't go to the doctor -- they scare me.  I'm a wuss.

(https://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/glennkangiser/May2006031.jpg)

Note - the rest are there -just folded over.  I'm not that careless. :-/
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 03, 2010, 08:38:44 AM
Hmm - I think I know that SJK guy.  

w* to the forum, little fella.

I have to go back and read this topic.  I forget what kind of BS I wrote on it - it was so long ago.... woops..... there goes the rest of the mind.. [waiting]

Rick, I have junk in piles that few have even seen the bottom of before... [noidea'

archangel, the finger looks normal except about 3/32 inch wider and flatter than it used to be, and has no feeling around the lower inside of the first knuckle.  Feeling is OK at the tip and all else on it works normal.  I'm flattered......


at least my finger is....[waiting]
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: archangel on April 03, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Quote from: glenn kangiser on April 03, 2010, 08:38:44 AM

archangel, the finger looks normal except about 3/32 inch wider and flatter than it used to be, and has no feeling around the lower inside of the first knuckle.  Feeling is OK at the tip and all else on it works normal.  I'm flattered......


at least my finger is....[waiting]

I had a cyst removed from that same finger off the middle knuckle joint and after a few months I still have almost 1/4 inch left where it will not close all the way in a fist. :(
I guess if I ever have the need to punch with it I will just have to grab a roll of quarters first. ;)
Title: Re: Building a near free RV storage garage
Post by: glenn kangiser on April 03, 2010, 04:23:09 PM
That should be effective. :)