Gate Overhead Project Almost Complete PICS

[rox]

I like the way you cut that smaller snuggling post at an angle. That was a nice touch, it is very pleasing to the eye. Now I am going to go on the internet and look up turn buckle.

 

[Tom4310]

Thanks for the compliments and I would like to say I did it for the look but I did it mostly to shed water and snow. Turnbuckles are used to draw things together. I posted a link below to show where I had to buy these from.

Smith Fasteners

 

[GeneD14]

Nice job! I really like how massive the gate is, it is gorgeous.

 

[Tom4310]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Nice job! I really like how massive the gate is, it is gorgeous. )</font>

Thanks, the job was more than I had anticipated but they always are. I will finish drilling the other hinges and try and install the other gate tomorrow. They are calling for snow from Wed through Sunday so I really want to get these up. I will post a picture of the overhead before and after when it is all finished.

 

[JustGary]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The last part will be cutting the top log to size.)</font>

This may seem obvious, but you will probably want to cut the top log a little long at first and then trim it again. This will keep the weight of the free end from splitting the log.

In fact, I'd start with an undercut (but not enough to bind the saw) and then a topcut a few inches outside of that to help ensure that a split doesn't form on the bottom of the log.

After that, when you make the trim cut, the weight of just a few inches of the free end won't split the log. You may want to practice on a scrap in the yard first if you have one.

What a great looking entrance. Thanks for sharing it with us.

- Just Gary

 

[Tom4310]

That will be the last thing because I want to see what length will fit. I cut firewood quite a bit and I will have to be careful because the piece will slab off if I just try to slice it off. I will make an undercut and then cut off small pieces. The long end needs about 2'+ off and that will weigh a few pounds and I don't want it crushing the already weakened fence below.

Thanks for all the replies. I did want to make notches, on the underside of the top log, for the posts to set into. However, when I was standing on the 16' scaffold trying to manuver the 35' log over my head, I had visions of me being killed by this thing. I am a retired fire captain and I can't tell you how many time I have heard "I thought it would never happen to me".

I was going to put the top log in place, mark it, take it down, cut the notchs and then put it back up but I figured I had pushed my luck too far and it stayed as it layed.

 

[JustGary]

For the 2 foot cutoff, a section of rope tied on and thrown over the beam (and held by a helper or your tractor) will keep the fence safe below. Just drape it loosely over the center of the beam so when the piece falls it will hang from the rope right between the gates.

I know what you mean about working at the top of something; it just doesn't feel the same as hard ground somehow, and if you loose your nerve you might as well quit right then.

Of course, </font><font color="blue" class="small">( I had visions of me being killed by this thing.)</font> even if you decide to leave the pole long it still looks great.

Here's what I did in the air last weekend. The rafter ends are about 13 feet above ground on the downhill side, and the ladder just wouldn't stay outside of them for me to work. I had to bend backwards just to see the edge of the board. Several times I got torqued by the drill driving a screw and had to just stop and look out over the lake for a minute while I convinced myself to continue.

- Just Gary

 

[JustGary]

For completeness, here's a different view of the project. If I'd had room on the trailer, you'd see me standing in the FEL in the previous photo. Unfortunately, I had to haul the 2x4s and plywood decking, leaving no room for me to bring my best tool!

- Just Gary

 

[Tom4310]

That is a great looking gazebo and what a beautiful setting. It looks great and please post pics when it is done. In your climate, you will be able to enjoy it year around. I have to get the other gate drilled and installed tomorrow or I will be working in the snow and ice.

I guess in my old age of 45, I am getting more careful when it comes to heights and getting hurt.

Thanks again for the replies, Tom

 

[EddieWalker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
However, when I was standing on the 16' scaffold trying to manuver the 35' log over my head, I had visions of me being killed by this thing. I am a retired fire captain and I can't tell you how many time I have heard "I thought it would never happen to me".

I was going to put the top log in place, mark it, take it down, cut the notchs and then put it back up but I figured I had pushed my luck too far and it stayed as it layed. )</font>


Aint that the truth. I have all sorts of great ideas that change drastically when I'm above my comfort height. Then things take on a whole new perspective and my original plan gets modified to accomodate my fear of heights. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The entrance is amazing!! Very dramatic and impressive. Thanks for the pics and sharing your project.

Eddie