Started my tower stand today

[EddieWalker]

My stairs are from 2x12x12 that worked out perfect with the fist step beng a concrete pad. This allows me to rest the stringers on the concrete and the end grain never touches the dirt.

What happend to partially enclosing the bottom part to park the four wheeler?

Eddie

 

[Robert_in_NY]

My stairs are from 2x12x12 that worked out perfect with the fist step beng a concrete pad. This allows me to rest the stringers on the concrete and the end grain never touches the dirt.

What happend to partially enclosing the bottom part to park the four wheeler?

Eddie

The bottom may get closed in during the spring. I will see what happens. I am not siding the tower till then anyway but am just trying to get the main part done so I can get out of there for a while before season starts. This is why I put the braces on the inside of the posts. So if I do decide to enclose it all I have to do is put the purlings on the outside like I did the floor joists then sheet it.

I am planning on setting the stringers on a concrete pad so that they are not in the dirt and they can float. The stringers will be 2x12's with 2x12 steps. I just need to figure out the step height that will work best. I just wanted to relax tonight so I will do it tomorrow and gather up materials.

 

[Ford850]

That is REALLY wet. You might want to add a cleat next to the door, like in the attached picture. Great looking stand though.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

That is REALLY wet. You might want to add a cleat next to the door, like in the attached picture. Great looking stand though.

We have rain forecasted for the next few days again so I might need to get some of those

 

[Robert_in_NY]

There is still a lot of water and mud around here as it rained all day the last couple days. But today and tomorrow are clear so I dug out where the pad will be the steps will rest on, framed up a 1'x4' form 6" thick and poured it. I bought all the materials for the steps themselves and think I have enough for the hand rails laying around here. I also set the board where the steps will attach to the tower. I put my back out playing with the concrete so I gave up for the day. I fall apart quite easy now that its getting cooler out.

I do hope to get out and cut out the first stringer later today and try it tomorrow once the concrete is set enough. If it works I will hopefully have stairs tomorrow then its time to quit for the season.

Oh and on a related note to a previous poster, I bought my stair materials from the local Home Depot again as they were open and I was in the area. After sorting through piles of garbage boards I finally found 6 that were somewhat decent but nothing great. I go to the register and the cashier goes to scan the first board and I tell her I have 3 16', 2 10' and 1 2x8x8'. She informs me she will just scan each bar code as she walks around. So once again she missed a 16' 2x12 ($25 board) and I noticed it when I went to pay on the card scanner. Good thing she didn't want to listen to me to begin with And yes, I did correct it once I noticed it as I had to add some concrete mix as well. And the guy who helped load my truck checked my reciept also. He was embarassed to do so and told me about an recent experience with a rather vulgar lady who used a nice racial slur against him when he asked to check her receipt also. I can't believe how terribly rude some people can be over a rather simple thing. That lady made that guy fear asking other customers to see their recieipts which is one of his jobs. I don't know how many times he apoligized before, during and after asking to see my recieipt but it was unnecessary and I told him it was ok and that I didn't mind showing my receipt (even though I am a dishonest crook according to one particular person).

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Forgot the picture. There isn't much different but you can see the little bit I did today. Also the stand is still standing after 30+ MPH sustained winds the last couple days with no signs of distress.

 

[EddieWalker]

How are you finishing off thee interior? Gotta make in comfortable !!!!

Eddie

 

[Robert_in_NY]

How are you finishing off thee interior? Gotta make in comfortable !!!!

Eddie

The interior is covered with OSB. I plan to trim the windows and doors and possibly the floor and ceiling then paint it all a dark brown. I don't know how much or it will get done this year but I figure I can work on it a little as I get time.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Afternoon Robert,
That thread was a great read !

You also did a great job, first class all the way ! But whats more important IMHO is that you were able to do all the work for the most part yourself, especially after a severe injury ! Thats the best news as far as Im concerned !

BTW, Have you gotten any free 2x4 "s lately ?

Enjoy the hunting !

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Thanks Scott. I haven't needed any more 2x4's so I haven't had the opportunity to try out my discount.

I am glad I have been able to do the majority of this work myself as well. It makes things more difficult at times but its a rewarding feeling still.