New garage time!
- Thread starter fatjay
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EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
The blocks should be super easy to get square. Start with the one corner, measure your distance, place a bock, do the other direction, place a block and then the last block. Run a tape from corner to corner and adjust the blocks to give you the exact same measurement. You should be less then 1/8th of an inch accurate this way.
Or decide where you want your first corner, and build your first row the long distance of that wall. This will give you something to measure off of. They it's even easier to measure how far away the opposite wall will be and then figure square by measuring diagonally too your corners.
I never use batter boards, they just get in the way.
Or decide where you want your first corner, and build your first row the long distance of that wall. This will give you something to measure off of. They it's even easier to measure how far away the opposite wall will be and then figure square by measuring diagonally too your corners.
I never use batter boards, they just get in the way.
Tore 3 corners down and worked off one good corner, so it wasn't a total loss. Pulled tape diagonal between corners and it measured 50'1.5" both pulls, so it's good. First I shot 90 based off the good corner, then measured and it was off by an inch and a half, so i measured and felt more confident with the measure. Also shot height of the block so I know i'm level on all 4 corners.
Bringing in block with the bobcat for the front now. break for lunch. Sun's out and beating on us even though it's only 65F.
747driver
Veteran Member
I am old school. Grew up in the Midwest where blocks are used on many builds. You only need 2 stakes and 1 board on a diagonal for each corner, not the old way of 3 stakes and 2 boards.. Go watch R and R buildings on Youtube and see how they layout their buildings.
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
How far off of the ground to you run your string from that board? How long does it take to set up those boards and tie the string to it, and then work on getting the string tight enough to be straight, but also loose enough to adjust so you can get it square?
If it works for you and you're comfortable doing it, then that's all that matters. For me, I'm sticking a screw driver into the dirt, pulling a steel tape out from that screw driver to where the next corner is and putting another screw driver into the ground there. I have one straight wall that's all done. Then from each of those screw drivers I measure out how far I need to go and place a screw driver there. Once I have my 4 corners, I measure diagonally for square and adjust until it's square. I set my forms off of those screw drivers and then dig my footings with the forms in place. For me, this is fast, accurate and easy.
I tried watching RR Building and might have the wrong company. I didn't last very long because it's all talk talk talk. I tried skimming through all the talking, but never found a part that they where doing anything, just talking. Why do people talk so much in youtube videos?
If it works for you and you're comfortable doing it, then that's all that matters. For me, I'm sticking a screw driver into the dirt, pulling a steel tape out from that screw driver to where the next corner is and putting another screw driver into the ground there. I have one straight wall that's all done. Then from each of those screw drivers I measure out how far I need to go and place a screw driver there. Once I have my 4 corners, I measure diagonally for square and adjust until it's square. I set my forms off of those screw drivers and then dig my footings with the forms in place. For me, this is fast, accurate and easy.
I tried watching RR Building and might have the wrong company. I didn't last very long because it's all talk talk talk. I tried skimming through all the talking, but never found a part that they where doing anything, just talking. Why do people talk so much in youtube videos?
With the corners in place, it's easy to pull lines. Put these on each block and run a string between them, gives you height and strait:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Marshalltown-Adjustable-Aluminum-Line-Stretchers-ALS504/100318133
Got 2 course in the front, one course on the far end. I'm dead tired. I'll move block all day but mixing that mortar mix is exhausting. A week moving 12" block, next week when I'm moving 8" block it'll be like nothing at all. Going to wait on the 3rd course of block for a bit as I won't be able to get the bobcat into it then.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Marshalltown-Adjustable-Aluminum-Line-Stretchers-ALS504/100318133
Got 2 course in the front, one course on the far end. I'm dead tired. I'll move block all day but mixing that mortar mix is exhausting. A week moving 12" block, next week when I'm moving 8" block it'll be like nothing at all. Going to wait on the 3rd course of block for a bit as I won't be able to get the bobcat into it then.
747driver
Veteran Member
I don't use the strings to get to square. The Morton crew that built our barn used 2 tape measures. When they marked the width of the front wall they put a screw driver in each of the front 2 corners, From there they found what the diagonal of the building was. Then they pulled each of the 2 tapes to the opposite corners of the back wall until both tapes measured the same diagonal. Pretty slick i thought.
I use the batter boards to establish straight lines for setting posts ( like those in a pole barn ), for setting forms etc. I like the string lines for reference points as taught string lines don't lie.
Yes...the RR guy does talk but he explains what he is doing and why . He is pretty much a perfectionist ! The other Youtube guy i really enjoy is called Essential Craftsman. This guy is a excellent home builder and takes the time to explain what and why he is doing it.
747driver
Veteran Member
All looks nice and straight..nice job !! Yes, laying block will make you a old man quickly. I have a Lowes mixer i use for big jobs like this. Is there any reason you didn't put re-bar in the footer sticking up to reinforce the blocks ? Keep up the good work !
dragoneggs
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On the topic of YouTube craftsman, I have been following and learning from 'Next Level Carpentry'. This guy explains things well and is also a perfectionist. Great tips on cabinetry and keeping everything true and square and how to be efficient with repetition in his small and modest shop. He is not a tool ***** either which is refreshing.