2/11/2019:
Building Summary: Today I began the process of putting together Wall #5. This consisted of using a skillsaw to even up the ends of the vertical boards (so they were equal to one another), cutting an extra couple 2x4s for additional support, and then fastening all those boards together into two separate ‘walls’. Padre and I then moved both frames into Jacobhouse.
Commentary: This morning I kept busy at Jacobhouse, and I have proof of that ‘busyness’ (business?) in form of two standing walls. That, I believe, is the ultimate reward to a so-called ‘work morning’: a physical representation of productivity. It is alike to a trophy granted for hard work, except this trophy actually has a use besides being a sparkly dust collector.
As for highlights, I would say the most ridiculous part of the morning occurred when I was attempting to twist a warped board into position. It was the 2×4 that was to extend between the top and bottom of the second wall-frame. One may notice how I used some extra past-tense in that previous sentence. It is like that for a reason. I fastened the top of the 2×4 in place so it was both perfectly straight and square, or as much as it could be considering the wood I was working with. My next bit of strategy was to attach a screw-clamp to the opposite end of the 2×4 and twist it until the board was straight and square on the bottom as well as on the top.
Alas, the warp was stronger than the wood itself. I twisted the thing about 1 and ½ inches and was about to fasten it in place when the entire frame was suddenly lifted about 2 inches off the deck* where I was working. It turned out that my 2×4 had ripped free of the screws holding it in place. Fortunately the solution was simple. I ventured into Jacobhouse and fetched a non–warped 2×4, measured it, cut it, and attached it instead of the wayward kin.
It is getting late now, so I should probably leave it at that. As for a brief mention of tomorrow’s activities, I think I’ll be joining together the two frames I made today and possibly add a tad more support (needs another 2×6 for the inner side of the shelving).
*I just want to mention that the front deck of Jacobhouse has been a perfect place for assembling the wall frames. The surface of expanded steel is very flat, and it is just large enough to account for the 8′ height of all the walls I’ve built so far. Best of all, though, is the fact that it is right at waist level, making it quite a comfortable work height. Thanks, Charlie! (He’s the guy who welded the deck together.)