When we first built the Lair’s floor supports, Ian and I bolted together a bunch of 2X12 sections into 3 16′ doubled timbers. That worked really well and I wanted to do it again but my supply of used lumber has dried up so I was resigned to buying expensive 4X6s to serve the same purpose.
Then my neighbor S told me I could have some of the lumber from a big pergola that hadn’t worked out well. This morning I loaded six good’uns on the trailer, and this afternoon I’ll cut them to size. They’re not 16′ long, of course, but they will be when I’m done. To get the two timbers I need, I’ll cut these into 2 8′, 4 6′, and 6 4′ sections. Then I’ll haul them to the Lair and bolt them together.
And each one will look like this…
Worked last time, there’s no reason to think it won’t work this time. I do have to remember to compensate for the reduced timber width, though, by pouring the piers that much higher. Since the ground slopes downhill toward the driveway, these piers are going to end up pretty long and I need to get pretty serious about rebar. Over the years we’ve used up pretty much all the surplus rebar from Ian’s big inverted swimming pool, so (sigh) there’s more coming on the truck.
Oh! And it looks as though I’ll also be spared the pain of digging the holes with shovel and mattock. You want to talk synchronicity? Here’s a bloody masterpiece of the art: As you know I kind of buggered up my shoulder last autumn and it might never be entirely the same. So I really wasn’t looking forward to swinging a pick in the hot sun. But! Yesterday, as if by magic, I was commissioned to get a neighbor’s small backhoe running and ready for sale.
It’ll need testing. Right?
Sweartagod there are days when I think I might ought to rethink this “no religion” thing, because I do occasionally get the notion that somebody up there likes me. Really can’t imagine why.
Because you were in His mind for all eternity, before the world was created, with a destiny and a part all your own. Because before the creation of the world, He said to Himself “Joel . . . what a wonderful idea.” Because He created your soul individually, and put a spark of his own divine goodness in it. TL;DR: “”cause love.”
When I sister timbers together like that, I like to add a squiggly line of construction adhesive between the boards. It not only makes your built-up beam that much stronger, it seals the joint against critter and moisture intrusion.
Is that what they call that? Sistering?
Joel, God doesn’t like you. He LOVES you! And not because of who you are or what you have done. It is because of who He is and what He has done!
John 3:16 is well known. For God so loved the world (everyone, even Joel Simon), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (including Joel Simon) believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joel, please ponder this wonderful bible truth.
If you will honestly admit to God that you are a sinner (which we all are). “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” And, believing on Jesus, ask him in prayer to forgive your sin and save your soul. He will. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved. “.
Have enjoyed your blog for a few months after seeing something on backwoods home. Hope this helps you now and eternally.
Bob
Yes. I’ve heard the term “sistering” used most commonly in the context of a repair, but it’s exactly the same process in new construction.
What Ben said about the construction adhesive and make sure the line is widely squiggly not a narrow squiggle. That adhesive will give you a much better result on a lot of levels. So exciting to see this project begin to be made real. Motivates me to get back to work on my two little home modifications.
Yikes! you weren’t really going to dig those holes with a pick??? Makes my body hurt just to think of doing that. Gasoline powered post hole digger, please, if the backhoe doesn’t work out.
In addition to what Ben say’s, consider adding a full length and width plywood spacer between the sisters. Glued and nailed these beams will be much stronger than just the boards glued and nailed. If you do this, do not have the ends of the plywood meet where the ends of the 2x’s meet.
Maybe Ian can come up with a Thundermug device to break up the ground – with black powder!!!
Or, maybe not.
But you got to admit, sounds like fun, especially if the darned cows are in your yard again (and think of all the free fertilizer that will suddenly appear at the same time!)
Joel, you are better off worshiping Odin. He’s easier to understand and just as efficacious in helping a fellow out.
Problem with Odin is his terms of admission to Valhalla. I guess I do technically own something that could be called a sword, but what are the chances I’ll be holding it at the moment of my death?
Would a tattoo of a sword on the palm of your hand suffice? Or is that too legalistic?
Wouldn’t want to risk my eternal drinking hall privileges on a guess. Any Norse gods theologians among us?
Sistering – scabbing – pretty much the same term yes. Some insert steel plate between the wood members to make a ‘fletch’ beam for every more strength.
I think Odin would accept a pocket knife, screwdriver, or old fashioned can opener as long as you expired within a ring of your slain. Uhtred of Bebbanburg might not agree with me though. Still, at least you can wear a cool “Thor’s Hammer” around your neck if you are a pagan. 😉