Only in Texas, Don and Harv doing

[wroughtn_harv]

Harvey, here are some more pictures of the framing. If any additions or modification are needed let me know.

When this all started to jell for me I had a vision of enabling the do it yourselfer that wanted to build their own building with the pipe and purlin system without having much prior construction experience. I could also see where one could build it their way at their own pace and have the degree of quality that they wanted.

You've taken my vision and made it a reality. I can't tell you how much pleasure I'm having watching you do this project. It's a dream come true for me.

I don't see any issues at this point. And when we get on site I can't imagine there being a problem that can't be resolved easily based upon the pictures.

Find your windows and decide where you want them. If security is an issue then I'd use short and wide and mount them high to let in light. If you want ventilation along with light I'd mount them lower and placed to accomodate prevailing winds.

Thanks again Don, you've done gud.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Don if you want to put in wood over the door it would be easy. You can either use stainless self tapping countersunk screws or you can attach framing lumber to the metal framing and use nails.

If you can't find some used lumber that you like you can always age some new lumber and use that. Aging lumber is trying to put into twenty minutes the excitement lumber usually finds in ten plus years of just hanging on.

Cedar is soft and can take a beating without breaking. I will take a handfull of different sizes of chains. I then beat the boards like they're off colored step children that stutter. I've found cussin' while swingin' the chain helps, sorta kinda makes the mood. You can follow the beating with waving a propane or Mapp gas torch over it doing a singe thing. Sand it lightly and then seal it.

With cedar you need stainless fasteners as much as you need them with the new treated lumber. Cedar won't eat the metal as bad as the new treated but it will stain it something terrible. If the stains reflected an old use it wouldn't be so bad. But when the stains reflect the new placement of the wood it sucks big time in my book. So I bite the bullet and use stainless from the get go.

Another source for good old wood that's relatively new and can be aged nicely is oak pallets.

I do think the idea of the old wood over the doorway would make it interesting and unique, two key words in my world.

 

[txdon]

Harvey the oak idea sounds good. Yesterday I got a lead on some old barn wood. The last time I found barnwood, I had to tear down and remove an entire house to get it. I hear this guy already torn down his barn and the wood is in a trailer. The wood I got last time still had sap in it and was very heavy. I think it was some kind of fir. I hope he still has some quality pieces left that will last another 50 years.

The roof line on the porch will have to be cut or it will end up 4' from the ground. The angle is too much to bend it.

For a diversion, like I really need one, we got a pallet of rock to make a walkway to the house. Tonight will be an Advil night.

Thanks!!!

 

[txdon]

Harvey, one thing that I really like about this building system is that I could quit at any time and continue the next day/week/month. This system is good for the weekend builder who may not get to build every weekend. Unlike a wood frame it will not move with moisture and each purlin is straight and true. A can of touch-up paint keeps the rust away while the building is under construction. The system allows for multiple designs and the ability to change and modify as the building goes up. (i.e. adding a window or door, changing the roof line, different exterior material, etc.) With clamps the building can be built by one person. Sometimes it is easier with two but not absolutely necessary. This is not as easy as IKEA furniture which snaps and screws together with precut material, one must be able to square, level and cut accurately. As you look closely at the faming you might see some extra "adjustment" holes in the metal. Lucky for me the system is very forgiving. You can correct mistakes easy. The end result really makes you feel like a pro! Thanks for sharing your building methods. Don.

 

[txdon]

Update on the countdown, one month left:

Our temporary carport served us well, but the weekend wind was too much, we had to take 'er down.

I got the rock for the walkway and got about half through when the good rain came.

I had enough rock left over to rock the portico (a.k.a. lean-to).

But before I could place all the rock I first had to bury the electrical. This was the first time I dug a trench with the backhoe.

After the yard was closed up, rye grass was planted. I am ready to finish laying the rock....tomorrow.

 

[Michael_E_Tx]

That rock looks real nice Don.

Mike

 

[BB_TX]

Don, that rock really does look nice. My wife has been after me to do something similar. If she sees this, I may not be able to put it off any longer. What kind of rock did you use? How thick?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Don, I think you've found your 2nd calling. That rock looks GREAT! I'm sure your back may not agree.

Where did you find that stuff? Was is 2 arms and 3 legs? $$$

Looking forward to the get together next month....Kyle

 

[txdon]

Thanks Mike, BB, and Kyle.
The rock is Oklahoma 2" Patio. I got it from Bastrop Stone and Materials on Hwy 71. It cost $240 a ton. The amount of rock showing in the picture is about 2 tons.

I actually did part of the patio last year. This week I made it wider, and added the curved walk to the carport.

 

[EddieWalker]

Nice job Don!!!

Looks like you found the secret to working with stone. Take your time and spread it out over years of time!!! hahahaha

I did a waterfall on a pond one time that I actually pulled my sturnum muscle. I couldn't figure out why my chest hurt there. Everything else hurt, but that was a new place. It was so bad that I went to the doctor, who figured it out for me. Just sore muscles.

Rock is one of the most satisfying materials to work with, but also the most exhausting!!!!

Eddie