Start of something big.....

[EddieWalker]

Great pictures Harvey. It's overwhelming what you are doing and making come together. Unlike a kit, none of your pieces match or fit!!!

I've been looking at those metal cutting blades, but haven't tried one yet. I keep buying the cheaper abrasive disks, but they don't last very long. Especially on 3/8's metal. I go through them pretty quickly on my chop saw and have been thinking it would be cheaper to spend more money on a good blade and not have to replace it all the time. Reading your recommendation has convinced me that's just what I'm going to do.

I wasn't sure why you won't use the concrete contractor again? Was it sloppy work on the rebar? I like mine tied nice and straight. Too many guys wont even use chairs, and to me, that's a big no no. Too often, the mud starts to dry faster then it can get spread and hoping that they will be able to pull the rebar up while spreading the mud is just no realistic. Wire is even worse and why I refuse to use it.

Eddie

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Harv,
I have to commend you for deciding not to use the concrete contractor again.
You're his paying customer and if he won't do the work to your specification/satisfaction, he must not need repeat business.

Nice job so far, I'm learning a lot!

thanks!

 

[gpflepsen]

Do you know the model of blade you're using, and where did you pick it up? Is that a typical 7-1/4" worm drive? I'd like to look into getting a cold cut blade for my Porter Cable saw. Great looking project, and the pictures are top-notch!

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I use the Original brand of the steel cutting blade. I did a search and there are many manufacturers of the the steel cutting blades for circular saws so they shouldn't be hard to find at retail centers.

The deal with the concrete contractor involves a couple of things. The first and foremost is nothing ticks me off more than watching someone that only knows how to point running a construction job. This old boy sat in his truck while his guys did all the work. That went over like a stinker in a hot tub with me. The first pour they did good. Then they did a half way job on the rebar. That was followed with a sorry job finishing. They won't be back.

I get most of the comments in real life about my lack of help. Actually I have plenty of help. It's just not the human kind. This is one of them helping install the extensions on the porch columns. Keep in mind this is heavy wall drill stem from a Vermeer 50,000 pound push and 100,000 pound pull directional driller. The stem was damaged at one end or the other. When I installed the posts I put the bad end into the concrete. The extensions were matching good ends and easy to install, with help.

The first thing I had to do was horse a piece over to the helper. Then I used a clove hitch and a strap so the helper could lift it up in place. The last helper was a three foot pipe wrench. Think, BFH.

 

[capt jack]

Where in Texas are you building this?
Jack

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Where in Texas are you building this?
Jack

North of Bells.

 

[jinman]

I get most of the comments in real life about my lack of help. Actually I have plenty of help. It's just not the human kind. This is one of them helping install the extensions on the porch columns. Keep in mind this is heavy wall drill stem from a Vermeer 50,000 pound push and 100,000 pound pull directional driller. The stem was damaged at one end or the other. When I installed the posts I put the bad end into the concrete. The extensions were matching good ends and easy to install, with help.

The first thing I had to do was horse a piece over to the helper. Then I used a clove hitch and a strap so the helper could lift it up in place. The last helper was a three foot pipe wrench. Think, BFH.

Harvey, you have all the kewl-tools. Now, tell us about your "voice actuated" camera that took all those pictures of you and your helper doin' stuff.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Harvey, you have all the kewl-tools. Now, tell us about your "voice actuated" camera that took all those pictures of you and your helper doin' stuff.

They came to watch and I put them to work. Actually I was asked how I did it so I had them take pictures of the demonstration.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Harv,

I stopped by your client's place today to pick up a part. When I asked if he had talked to you lately, I figured out who the building is for. Funny how I know some of same folks you do. Small world I guess.

BTW, nice work.

 

[rox]

Harv we always like the pictures. I'll have to wait till you get back to an internet connection to find out why the poles at the edge of the concrete that you installed with the man lift seem like they are taller than the rook of the building. Right now it is a mystery to me. It has been a while since I read the start of the thread so perhaps if I go back and re-read it I'll find my answer.