8/22/19
(Above: This is the form for Jacobhouse’s primary kitchen counter. The sink is to be placed exactly in the middle and 3.25″ from the east, so the counter surface will be reversible. In other words, if silage bag plastic does not create a smooth enough surface, I will be able to utilize the nicely screed and troweled surface on top instead.)
Building Summary: This morning I put together the primary kitchen-counter form. The process consisted of re-making the main rectangle (reason explained in TIL section), measuring / marking / cutting / fastening together the sink ‘excluder’ (to keep the orifice into which the sink will be placed free of concrete), fastening both the primary rectangle / sink rectangle onto the base piece of 3/4″ plywood, reinforcing that plywood with a 2×4 across the middle (connected to central board of sink form for even more ‘pull action’*), and then leveling the entire form for pouring.
(7:31 PM Update): This afternoon, I caulked along all interior edges of the primary counter’s form, cleaned up all excess silicone, and then I worked over the sub-counter with reciprocating sanding pads (via water-sanding).
Today I learned: (Again) it is beneficial to recheck measurements. Padre asked me how wide the counter frame was, and on re-measuring it, I discovered that I had made the internal dimensions 25″ across instead of 28″.
Drop-in sinks need very little support. The Kohler 33×22 Cadence sink I have requires only ¼” to ½” of support beneath its rim of reinforced stainless steel. (I.e. 32.5″ by 22.5″).
Glass cleaner works very well for cleaning up silicone caulking beads. I applied the silicone in the corners of the kitchen-counter form, and then I sprayed a hefty amount of generic glass cleaner onto that silicone. It allowed me to wipe away all excess and leave no residue behind.
Basic water-sanding requires only a reciprocating sander (or sanding attachment for drill) and some water to get started. Pour water on the concrete’s surface, and then ‘have at it’.
Commentary: When I stepped out of old-house today, I noticed that the sky was somehow reminiscent of autumn. Perhaps it was the lack of clouds, or maybe it was the gradient of colors ranging from orange and pink at the horizon to a light eggshell blue at crest. What I do know, however, is that the temperature was not the reason for that semblance.
Sure, the following walk to Jacobhouse may have been relatively cool, and the ensuing Segway ride around the beef pasture may have even been a tad refreshing. As soon as the sun rose above the trees, though, the outdoors began to warm up, and this heat only became further accentuated by the tin roof of the barn where I was working. The sheer radiant heat emanating from that metal 20-25 feet above my head was remarkable, and by mid morning I was dripping with sweat as I worked on the primary counter’s concrete-form.
And speaking of concrete counters, Padre picked me up some sanding supplies when he and Wag went to Sparr this morning, and I was able to use them this afternoon on the sub-counter via the water-sanding method described above. The task was surprisingly simple and took no more than twenty-five minutes to remove all the really rough parts and to taper the sharp frontal edge. What’s more, the process was an adequate way to keep cool in the blisteringly hot afternoon, for the sub-counter was right at chest level, and the water I poured onto it was flung in my direction – a grey spattering spray. Well… maybe that part wasn’t so ideal, but it did actually keep me cool.
Final Note: Tomorrow I plan on filling the primary kitchen counter form. The task will likely take a couple hours – one of which will indubitably be spent giving the thirsty countertop a misting of cold water.
*On account of having been rained on and then super-heated by Florida’s variant weather, the plywood was quite warped. Fortunately, the 2x4s I fastened onto it along with the mentioned reinforcement pulled that ¾” plywood into line.