Mini-Barn

[BigE_]

As you can see in the picture above, I've made a little progress. I got my air compressor figured out. My solution was to run a 12 gauge 80' cord from an outlet right next to the breaker box, and plug the compressor into that. Then I had another 50' of regular hose, and 25' of coiled hose off the compressor.

Using the compressor and the roofing nailer made the roof go a *lot* faster. Using the framing nailer was nice for the sheathing and for the siding. In fact, for the siding, it is almost a requirement, because it is so hard to start a nail in that hardiplank.

I made the door using some 1/2" AC plywood. The back side is 2x4s, covered by the plywood, and then the front side has some decorative strips stapled on (1/2" x 2" staples). I used 3 3" hinges, and mortised them into the door and into the door jamb. I added a nice big handle, and a latch to finish it off.

As I mentioned before, the siding is hardiplank 8", and it comes in 12' strips. I used this because it has a 50 year warranty on it, and at just under $7 a strip, it was fairly cheap. The sides of the shed are 8' wide, and the main portion in the front is 4' wide, and yes, I planned it that way. You can cut the siding with a regular carbide blade (just don't breath the dust). I was sorely tempted to buy a sliding compound miter saw for this project, but I made do with my little circular saw, and it worked out fine, albeit a little slower.

Once again, using my little 8 gallon compressor, I hooked up my Critter spray gun ( http://wood.bigelowsite.com/reviews/critter.htm ) and sprayed the exposed pieces with primer. It was getting dark at this point....

Still left to do:
1.) Paint
2.) Run electricity to the mini-barn (shed). Technically, this will be an "extension cord" run underground in conduit, but the end at the house will have a pigtail that plugs into a GFI protected outlet.
3.) Add lights, outlet, light switch
4.) Put up divider wall between the bedding area and the hay/grain storage.
5.) Add half door inside to provide access between bedding area and hay/grain storage
6.) Put up electric fence
7.) Other stuff I forgot.

 

[EddieWalker]

I didn't realize you were gonna make it so fancy!!! I love James Hardi products and use them quite a bit myself. For the money, it's about the best deal out there.

One time I had to cut a few pieces without my diamond blade in my 7 1/4 inch saw, so I did it like you did with the regular blade in backwards. It will get the job done, but it's painfully slow. If you do any more Hardi work, buy a diamond blade for under $40. One blade will easily do two houses worth of siding!!!! It might do more, but I tend to ruin them cutting concrete or pavers from time to time, and don't honestly know how long one will last if not abused.

Eddie

 

[WayneB]

Eddie, you're just tough on tools (just joking)

 

[BigE_]

Fancy? LOL. You can see the shed from the three big picture windows in the living room, so I didn't want to make it an eye sore.

One time I had to cut a few pieces without my diamond blade in my 7 1/4 inch saw, so I did it like you did with the regular blade in backwards. It will get the job done, but it's painfully slow.
Eddie

No need to put the blade in backwards. They recommend using shears for cutting the siding, and barring that, they recommend using a carbide tipped blade in the saw. That's what I used and it cut like butter, and this was a cheap 3 for $10 blade I picked up at Ace Hardware on sale last Thanksgiving.

I'm sure a diamond blade would last a lot longer, but I don't cut this stuff very often -- 20-30 feet worth every 3-4 years, or so it seems.

 

[firefighter9208]

BigE,

How are the sheep going to get into the mini-barn? Is the back side open?

Chris
Hill Farm Boer Goats

 

[BigE_]

Yes, the back side is open. It is a mirror of the front, except that it has no door.

 

[firefighter9208]

Cool. I have goats and have built "run-in" sheds for them with three sides closed and one open. Just curious.

BTW somebody mentioned a shearing area. This type of sheep (Katahdin) doesn't have wool to be sheared like traditional sheep. They are raised for meat. No shearing needed.

Chris

 

[Slackdaddy]

Daughter wanted Chickens, I figured We would keep some for layers and eat the rest. We ordered 25 day old chicks, she had them all named the 1st day, so no eating them.

Any how, she helped Me build the deluxe coop, them chickens are living large.

Nick

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=96295&stc=1&d=1203720571

 

[BigE_]

Slackdaddy, if you're going to do it, do it right, right?

I've been somewhat AWOL on my project. Other projects got in the way. I did manage to put the drip edges on, and get the gutter up. Last minute change in that the wife wanted the gutter to empty into the water trough (not in place yet), so the downspout looks a little funky.

Still left to do:
1.) Paint (Now have the paint chips picked out)
2.) Run electricity to the mini-barn (shed). Technically, this will be an "extension cord" run underground in conduit, but the end at the house will have a pigtail that plugs into a GFI protected outlet.
3.) Add lights, outlet, light switch
4.) Put up divider wall between the bedding area and the hay/grain storage.
5.) Add half door inside to provide access between bedding area and hay/grain storage
6.) Put up electric fence

 

[4720 OWNER]

I suppose the sheep will grow names as well and become pets? Personally butcher mine out at about 14 months. Very tasty, no lanolin yet.

Will consume anything green sounds like rotational pastures with their house at the center point so do not overgraze?