The Epic DIY Deck Project- Part 6 First Time Building a Railing for a Deck Unknown7:57 AM

Early morning shot of the completed railing on the Epic DIY Deck Project

The rail system came from a children's homemade tree fort that I dismantled a few years ago. It was a Craigslist find by my spouse. The catch was, I had to do the demolition, but got to keep all the lumber. It had tons of 2 x 6, 2 x 12, decking lumber and these pre made rail sections.

Put the shorter rail section near the corner. Add more strength to the railing

I actually had to trim an inch off the bottom rails, but it worked out just fine. 

This style of railing is actually quite easy to put together. It consists of a 6 foot long 2 x 4 rail at the bottom and the top, then (15) 3/4" holes were drilled 4.5" apart. A powered coated black, aluminum spindle was inserted in the holes.

I need to make my on section for left over lumber and it took about 30 mins to turn out a 6' long by 42" tall rail section.

Read More

Epic DIY Deck Project -Part 5- Cedar Decking and a Helping Hand Unknown10:15 AM

Another instalment of the Epic DIY Deck Project series. The last of the joists were secured in place with joist hangers and hurricane ties. Then it was time to dig out the 2" x 6" x 16', 18' and 20' cedar boards. A big bonus for the weekend, I hired my 10 year son as a worker. He was a huge help in carrying lumber, air nailing and using the impact drill. (All my kids are trained on power tools) All I had to do was keep him busy and break for a soda on coffee break.

Hope this series has been interesting and helpful for other people who plan on building a deck by themselves.

Thanks for watching!

Music Credit: Eviction, by Silent Partner

http://youtube-audio-library.storage.googleapis.com/25c42ce2e052d37e, http://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary?

Read More

The Epic DIY Deck Project- Part 3B- More Joists & Minor Fix Unknown9:25 AM

Scarfed a newer 2" x 10" into the beam

Side view of the deck project

My son gave a hand measuring

Lake side picture on July 13th

Road side view of the deck

Read More

The Epic DIY Deck Project- Part 3- Installing Joists, Brackets & Blocking Unknown8:58 AM

The good weather is finally here and most of the crisis projects were completed. Next on the list was the Epic DIY Deck Project. It called that because it such a huge deck (24′ x 11′) and time consumer. Since I work behind a computer for the day job. I really enjoy building something. I think it’s all the outdoor summer jobs that help out with times like this.
Anyway, once the work site was prepped with material, equipment set up and the plans consulted, the project start. After a few hours a structure started to take shape and it was really gratifying to see the deck take shape. Also, I will add, I’m no expert, nor claim to be one. I’ve consulted with the building codes and have created a plan to follow. I wish I could hire someone to finish it off during the week, but the budget doesn’t allow a professional builder. I’ll keep you posted with a few videos of the weekend builds.
 

Read More

The Manly Man Weekend Unknown9:03 AM

The long weekends have always been the cottage or cabin season opener. That’s when the ice has finally melted and moved off the lake. Most of the snow is gone and the recreational home was prepared for the summer. Lucky for me, a bunch of pals offered to give a hand and make this transition much easier.

Check out the Facebook page for updates https://www.facebook.com/cedarworkshop

Read More

Update to Making Copper Coils for a Wind Turbine Unknown8:21 AM

An update to the making copper coils for a vertical axis wind turbine. The coils will be used with the gear system from the breadmaker. (Update for that video will be coming soon)
 Music credit
Title: Heavy, by Huma-Huma, YouTube Library
http://youtube-audio-library.storage.googleapis.com/f8fd1f22533dae80,

Read More

Hey! What about those copper coils? Unknown8:33 PM

I'm working on it. First had to take care of some stuff at the cabin. i.e. keeping the water from pooling on the roof and leaking inside.

Anyway, here's a few pics of where I'm at.

Enjoy

2nd coil, 86 turns, Krazy glue every 10 turns

A screw for the start (A) and finish (B)

Winding jig from an old shelf bracket

Spool of wire. Yep, it almost unravelled on me. Had to stick a piece of painters tape as a stop

Read More