Shop almost done!

Boondox · Jan 17, 2004

The shop rebuild is just about done at last! Thanks to a heat wave (it hit 19 above zero today!) we were able to get the siding finished except for some small pieces that need to be shaped creatively so they fit under the eaves, in awkward corners, etc. The windows are in, the door is set, the wiring is layed out and half is connected. Those wonderful T8 fluorescents are providing an incredible amount of light, and the ceiling fan is pushing the hot air from the woodstove back down where I can feel it. The loft frame is in place and the loft just needs me to figure out how I want to deck it before it's all ready for tool and wood storage. Oh, and did I mention the metal roofing that I no longer have to shovel the snow off of?!? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now if I can just figure out how to hang sheetrock I'll be all set!

Pete

beenthere · Jan 17, 2004

If you are going to hang sheetrock on a ceiling, I highly recommend getting the lift, which lifts and holds the sheet in place while you nail or screw it. Usually can rent them reasonably. Even can rock it alone.

bmac · Jan 18, 2004

Reminds me of a project my wife and I did as newlyweds. Sheetrock on the ceiling of our front porch was sagging, cracking, etc. Wanted to put up a beaded board ceiling but didn't have the money. Found some fake beaded board masonite. Watching the "How-To" shows, we learned that you could make giant T's out of 2x4's to hold up the sheets while you nail them. Sounded good. Well, while I'm nailing one end, the T on the other end slips. Everything comes crashing down on my brides head. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't stop the bleeding so I carry her to a small, community hospital a couple of blocks away where they sutured her scalp up really pretty. After that, I ponied up the bucks to rent a lift.

As fate would have it, a couple of days later while working on the same project, a metal fragment from a nail flew up and lodged in my eye. I could see it in the mirror but it was embedded deep enough that I couldn't get it out myself. Back to the hospital. While waiting to be seen, the clerk looked at me real hard, cocked her head a little and asked "Hey, aren't you the same guy that hit is wife in the head with the 2x4?"

BTW, we will celebrate our 20th aniversary in April, just in case you were wondering if she ever forgave me. We still laugh about that project.

Bird · Jan 18, 2004

( Now if I can just figure out how to hang sheetrock I'll be all set! )

If you're talking about hanging it on the ceiling, I agree with the other guys; get the lift made for that purpose. Of course, there are other alternatives. My two brothers, when they were building houses in Alaska, said they just each got on a step ladder at opposite ends, put a sheet in place, and with both of them wearing hard hats, held it in place with their heads while they applied the nails. They told me about it when I asked one of them how they did it because I was going to help a neighbor sheetrock the ceiling on his new shop that we had just built. So, since the neighbor and I both had motorcycles at the time, we used the same method, wearing our motorcycle helmets. It worked, but I can't say I'd recommend it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Egon · Jan 18, 2004

Bird:
I've used that method in conjunction with the T support. Best use my head ever been put to.

We used to set the drywall on top of a steplader [ only 8 foot sheets ] Then use the T bar at one end and myself at the other with driver and head support. A few times I've placed sheets by myself but it was not fun.

Some people wear stilts to install the ceiling.

And then comes the taping/sanding joy.

Egon

Junkman · Jan 18, 2004

If you want it to stay up, you will use sheet rock screws. Far better than any sheet rock nail. Screws don't come loose...

Bird · Jan 18, 2004

I certainly agree with you, Junkman, but since I was just helping a neighbor, we used what he wanted to use. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Trev · Jan 18, 2004

( Some people wear stilts to install the ceiling.)

Now THAT has to be something worth watching! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Does this come under the heading of "Don't try this at home, kids" ??

Bob /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Egon · Jan 18, 2004

Trev:

Stilts used to be a common tool for drywall installers. Some could handle 12 foot sheets by themselves but I'm sure it took practice and strength.

Egon