Above 1200 Sq/FT Bailey's Barn Build

[mwbailey]

Wait 'til you see the Chippendale-ish bench, BuickFarmer!

Continued to use pocket screws for construction. How many can you count?


There are just 46 in the back, so far. Should be 44, but I tried double-holes on the first couple of pieces and had one split out. All the rest only have one screw. Also had one of these split out, but maybe I can patch it with wood putty. Slow but reasonably steady progress.

Cut and routed seat slats this evening so maybe tomorrow evening I can paint and/or put together.

 

[mwbailey]

OK, I've always said I could do just about anything a shade tree mechanic could do, I just didn't have the experience of making enough mistakes to know what to do the first time. Seems I should have checked the Internet before using hole plugs with the Kreg jig pocket holes. Most guys don't expect the plug to fit all the way in! I was spoiled with my first experience on the farmhouse table -- the plugs fit easily and all the way in.

With the "Chippendale-ish" bench, the plugs didn't fit real well and they were too long to go all the way in. So, for the ones that were tight, I sanded them on the belt sander. To get them all the way in, I cut off the blunt ends with the bandsaw. Neither process seemed very safe, but I made it through all 46 plugs plus a few more with only slight filing away of two fingernails!?!?

The Internet says to put plugs in microwave to heat up and drive out moisture that has caused swelling. They will fit better. Good idea; I'll have to try it on the next project. Also, don't expect them to go in all the way. Cut off flush and sand. Heck, just use 3/8" dowels and cut off. OK, that probably works, too. I don't have one of those fancy Japanese, flexible woodworking saws, but maybe I now have a good excuse to buy one.

Anyhow, progress has been made:

Oh no, more pockets to fill. Yes, I used the plugs again with sanding before checking Internet

Instructions called for using 6d finishing nails for seat slats, so I did. Had to adjust spacing with custom-size spacers cut to order -- 1/2" was too small, 3/4" was too big. It worked:


Oops, instructions showed installation of arms as about the last step, but didn't say why. Seemed the bench would be sturdier with arms installed before putting on slats. Only problem: tough to use nail set under arms!
Got it anyway. A little putty and nail heads almost vanish.


Another project was getting boat/trailer under lean-to without "spotter". I've done it with SUV a few times, but found myself getting out to check clearance off and on. Just happened to have extra trailer hitch ball, so installed it on the 8N. Much easier to see clearance on both sides of boat. Just a bit different process "fronting" the trailer as opposed to backing. Notice the slight "swerve" in front wheel tracks under the box scrape.


Shoot, this is so easy, I may be able to put that black car hauler in the background of first picture under the lean-to. But not until I remove all those classic 1967 Olds 442 parts. . ..

 

[xtremek]

The very useful, adaptable 8n finds yet another use. I think I'll be stealing that one. And the bench looks really nice.

 

[cruzer75]

Always want a big barn type structure!

 

[mwbailey]

Yep, xtremek, I have been wondering about "fronting" a trailer with the 8N ever since I saw the hole for a trailer hitch! Now, if I could just get some other projects rolling and move the junk from under the lean-to. THEN I could try it with the car hauler. Good plans. . . not so good execution.

Another option might be to use 8N to get boat down the launch ramp. Questionable brakes scare me away from that.

Oh, and thanks for comment on bench. One more go at sanding hole plugs and painting those areas and I should be through. However, two week vacation plans will get in the way now.

cruzer75, the barn has been great fun. Same problem inside as outside: I need to get some stuff out of the way so I can really do some work.

 

[mwbailey]

Well, I can't see pictures in my posts, but I'll just add to the problem by putting a photo in this post of the Chippendale-ish bench for the screened in porch:


Notice how well it matches the farmhouse table! I'll be the first to admit that Chippendale would never accept the quality of work, it's not "fine furniture". But, The Wife seems pleased.

And, yes, the arms are narrow enough to fit under the table -- that was a bit of a concern as bench was being constructed. But, no, it doesn't slide under the table as is; the arms are a bit too high to fit under the apron on the table! Oh well, maybe put a small block under each table leg. . . or cut off 1/2" of each bench leg. Will probably start with the small blocks.

What next? Saw something on Facebook, I think, about someone lamenting all he had to do to come up with a new project was walk out the back door. Seems I'm in the same predicament.

 

[mwbailey]

Hmm, now I can see the photos. . . .

 

[mwbailey]

A friend mentioned that just because you came to church, didn't mean you were a Christian -- like just because you are in a garage, doesn't mean you are a car. Well, maybe, but I figure sometimes when you're in a garage you feel like a mechanic. I hoped for that feeling today. . . .

Took the BRG Miata to the barn for oil and filter. Didn't like the little ticking noise I was hearing from the engine when I cranked it.

Tried two times to get the Miata on my portable ramps, but the ramps wanted to slide out from under the front wheels as I pulled on. So, reverted to a couple of jacks and a couple of jack stands. I had hoped to used my creeper to stay clean for dinner tonight -- The Wife had invited me to go out after her hair cut appointment. No such luck, Miata still too low. I did use neoprene gloves that kept my hands a bit cleaner, but had to take a shower anyway.



Drained oil, no major problem.

Found out I didn't have a filter wrench small enough for the Miata filter. Apparently I've never changed the oil myself on this car (despite the 164,000 miles on it -- or else I've lost the wrench). In fact, the filter had a date of 1/12/12, so it was due -- only 5 or 6000 miles since then, however. Fortunately, the filter came off by hand -- of course, I put the new one on by hand. Will get a small filter wrench soon and turn it another 1/8 turn or so. All this with left hand since right hand didn't fit between car parts -- and I'm about to start ignoring my dad's recommendation to change the oil hot.

Put about 3 1/2 quarts in and we're ready to go. Imagine this, the ticking noise went away.

Don't know if that makes me a mechanic, but I was pleased to work on a car in the workshop again.

 

[Mike.ASC]

Very nice work on your recent projects. If you ever have any automotive related questions let me know , I have been in the automotive service & repair business for over 30 years .

 

[xtremek]

Did the oil run down your arm or did you get some splatter on your face? It's nice when something simple like an oil change takes care of issues.

 

[mwbailey]

Thanks, Mike.ASC. I seem to miss the communications on GJ either because I'm not on here often enough or I simply overlook messages. Sorry.

Actually, xtremek, I didn't get much oil spatter, but I seemed to manage to wipe up the floor with my jeans AND my forearms. I guess the area needed cleaning, anyway.

Found a new Harbor Freight store in town that had at least five different kinds of filter wrenches. I knew one wouldn't work; it was just like the one I have. Couldn't figure out how another could loosen AND tighten filter, so I eliminated it. That left choosing from two types of pliers and a set of four sizes of cap-like "sockets". I chose the last one and haven't really tried it out, yet. The car is at the house and the wrench is in the workshop; gotta get them together somehow!?!

 

[mwbailey]

Nope, one of the "cap-type" oil filter wrenches fit the oil filter fine, but would not fit between the various manifold pipes and other protuberances. So, maybe I'll go to NAPA or Pep Boys to find the right wrench. I think I would like an adjustable strap wrench and I'm pretty sure I've seen one. . . .

 

[mwbailey]

Through a private message, I was asked about brackets used on posts of barn. Doesn't look like you can insert a photo in private message, so here is information requested -- I think!

Here is photo of the bracket as installed on an interior post. These were "bolted" to the cement and then the cedar sill block was placed on top. This required removing some wood from the cedar block to allow space for bolt heads. Then the post was placed on top and two lag screws used to connect the bracket to the post:


This kept the bracket from being a problem with sweeping the floor, I guess!

On the perimeter of the barn, the cedar sill plates were continuous (except for door openings), and each post had a bracket on each side of the post -- not underneath the post as for the interior posts. The sill plates were bolted to the cement floor and the brackets were fastened to the sill plates with lag screws.

Hope that makes sense -- and, it might be I was clicking the wrong icon for the private message and that explains why I couldn't include a photo. . . .

 

[mwbailey]

Yippee, we've had some rain! Nevertheless, there are a couple of items The Wife feels would be better placed out of sight of the house's front door. For example:


So, time to crank up the Ford 8N! Loaded the carryall box with leftover stones to take to back of barn.


Well, I guess all those stone had the tractor's balance off a bit -- couldn't use steering to turn, relegated to individual rear brakes. On the way up the slope, the "auto-leveling" device took over and dropped a few stones.


I wasn't worried too much since the carryall actually provided a bit of an out-rigger on the rear to keep from tipping over backwards. But, I was moving VERY slowly. . .

Got the stones placed in the reused wire cage but the pallet was too rotted after two years to be reused. Yep, the stones had been sitting there two years until most were used in the patio. Don't know what to do with the rest, but we'll think of something.

The Wife seemed to be pleased with the improved view out of the dining room window.

Now she wants me to move that classic green oil tank seen just over the hill. I'm thinking that would make a great ornament for the barn somewhere. The rain started coming down too hard for me to work with the tank today. Besides, the 8N was getting wet -- not that it hasn't been wet before in its 65+ years. . . .

Fun chore; chance to use tractor!

 

[xtremek]

THe place looks really nice. Doesn't it make you seem extra handy when some contraption (carry-all box) you come up with gets used on a regular basis? How do you plan on moving the tank?

 

[mwbailey]

Yep, xtremek, I'm pleased with the "contraption" -- aka, carryall! I guess my earlier comment about Jesu saying it actually WAS better than hauling chips by the wheelbarrow-load was enough to make me feel proud!

Speaking of the contraption, what I've thought about for the oil tank was to remove the carryall (only four bolts!) and use the forks to pick up one end of the tank. Then I might be able to drag it to the rear/side of the workshop. I'm still thinking about how to get the tank on its stand. Fortunately, it's still drizzling here (that's good), so I don't think I'll get to try it any time soon.

 

[mwbailey]

So, why drag the tank if it can be picked right up?!

Four bolts and the carryall was off of the tractor/frame. What was left looks almost like forks. . . .


Lined up pretty easily with the tank -- just a slight downhill lie.


Strapped onto forks with a couple of tie-downs, and it was ready to reposition.


Place it near the barn's lean-to and drop off.


Found out that the bottom and back of the carryall were not joined together, which made replacing on the frame that much easier. Yep, easier, but not necessarily easy. After several days of rain and drizzle, the humidity and heat were pretty high. Those are not oil spots on the bottom of the carryall, but "sweat of my brow". Oh, and I guess I really KNEW that the pieces were not joined together; or, as my dad would say, "Sometimes I outsmarts myself."


Only thing left is convincing The Wife that a tank is nice decorations for the workshop -- well, and getting the tank up on the stand!?! But it's out of sight of the front door, which should gain a few "warm fuzzies" for me; I certainly need them.

 

[HOTFR8]

I may have missed it but what plans for that tank ?

 

[mwbailey]

No, HOTFR8, you probably didn't miss it totally -- maybe you're kin to my wife: "Only thing left is convincing The Wife that a tank is nice decorations for the workshop."

Actually, the tank was what is left of the cinder block "reever house" as they call it around here.
We demolished the house to make room for new construction. The cinder block building was heated with oil furnace. I just liked the tank, so when the site prep guy asked if I wanted to take it in for scrap, I asked him just to leave it for me.

But, if you have any suggestions -- other than decorations -- I'm open!!

 

[HOTFR8]

OK, I can see the reason to keep it but can not think of any ideas to use it as yet.

Cut it in half for wood storage !

 

[hewey]

Cut it in half for wood storage !

I did that, works well and really happy with how it looks. I think a larger diameter would work better than yours though mwbailey.

 

[mwbailey]

Well, I may have mentioned obtaining a 1915-era hit and miss engine for a neighbor. The Wife asked me what it was for, I said to watch it run. She couldn't figure that. I got it to the neighbor. The Wife (mine, not his) asked what he was going to use it for. He said he was going to watch it run. She still didn't understand, so he said he had seen one connected to an ice cream churn. She was satisfied. . . . So, I'll probably just watch the tank sit there! The Wife won't understand, either.

 

[mwbailey]

Hey, Hewey, I like the wood storage, but I think I agree -- my tank probably isn't quite big enough. Besides, I don't have a wood-burning fireplace and I'm not sure The Wife would go for my green tank beside the (yet to be placed) fire pit on the new patio.

Hmm, my mini-split HVAC doesn't do a very good job of heating the loft over the workshop, maybe I should put the tank back to its original use and get an oil-fired heater.

 

[HOTFR8]

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[mwbailey]

So, HOTFR8, I suppose the first step is to get the tank on the stand and upright. I figured, strap tank to stand while stand is tipped over:


Then just winch it up:


Winch broke (note little ratchet tab broken off):


Why not get the 8N?!


That worked:


Since then -- and to make The Wife happy and my mowing job easier -- decided to "install" a mowing strip along rip-rap. Not the best conditions for growing grass apparently, but I threw out some seed just in case.


Before anyone mentions it, the mowing strip is designed to be "organic" -- I've seen that term in landscaping books. I think it either means to do things that are not exactly square, or this is easier so just don't worry about it. So, I MEANT to have some wobbles and twists and turns, so it would be organic.

In any case, I'm taking advantage of the beautiful weather following the SC deluge.

 

[HOTFR8]

Those winches are not designed for that type of work. You should have doubled the cable but then you got the right idea in the finish and did it with the 8N. As for the grass well I have been mowing my gravel drive way today. As fast as I poison or burn it just grows back. I figure if I mow it short it will die off soon. Unlike that nice looking section you have sewn.

 

[xtremek]

How bad did you get hit by the storm? Should have gone with the 8n from the start.

 

[mwbailey]

We were lucky; maybe less than 4 inches of rain. The lake is back up to normal thanks to the water from upstream. My hometown, nearer the coast, had 16 FEET of water in places where the Black River overflowed! WOW. They were "featured" on CBS Evening News.

Yep, I had thought about using the 8N from the beginning, but it seemed to be the brute force approach, and sometimes I like to try subtle. . . .

 

[mwbailey]

The Wife wants to put some sealer on "her" screened porch which extends onto the deck. So, since she wasn't quite satisfied with my capabilities, we've asked for estimates from a few "professionals". One guy comes by and looks the deck and porch over, then starts making suggestions. Like, why did the builder us plain SYP 1X6's at the bottom of the porch/deck support columns?

The 1X's were cupping, fading, and were not even mitered to begin with. Why not use the 5/4 decking -- if nothing else, the edges are rounded a bit. He also suggested that the 6" decking could be ripped down the middle and give two boards with rounded top and flat bottom. Sounded pretty good to me. [Preying Mantis photobombed me; lots of them were out today.]

So, I got a few deck boards, pulled the miter saw out of the barn and drug it down to the patio to work. Fortunately, The Wife had reminded me that when the stone was laid, the mason had used some sort of tape to "protect" the 8X8 columns -- I'm not sure why. But, removing the tape left lots of black adhesive on the columns (that's probably why the added touch of 1X6's around the columns happened; I'm not sure).

In any case, that left out ripping the deck boards; had to use the full width to cover the adhesive.

OK, so now the SYP has been replaced with decking -- it has rounded edge and mitered ends, but I'm not sure there's that much improvement over what we had. Between uneven masonry, irregular 8X8's, trying to cut at 45 degrees for the miters, and the irregularity in the decking, I got a good number of gaps here and there. Still, The Wife said it was an improvement. . . and then asked if we should use putty to fill the cracks!!


I thought maybe my skill would improve with each column. Never happened; still had gaps. We'll get these boards stained/sealed with the porch.

 

[mwbailey]

Oh boy, a little work -- albeit for aesthetics, mainly -- on the garage!

The landscape plan calls for steps leading up a hill from the house, but that looks like a LOT of work so it hasn't happened yet. In the meantime, the "drawbridge" wooden walk from the man door looks to end in the middle of nowhere. We have a few stones left from the house stonework and patio, so why not use them to identify a walkway to the garage door?!

This "soil" around here doesn't seem to grow much of anything, but I tried ripping up the "concrete" (the soil is almost that hard when dry) and spreading grass seed. Immediately thereafter, SC had a 1000 year storm. Even though we missed most of it in this area, that's been the only rain since spreading the seed. Getting a few sprigs up, but certainly not growing rapidly.

Anyway, with all these consideration, the start was to scrape and chop up some of the dirt leading to the door:


Then I just threw down some of the left over flagstones in a very "natural" or "organic" nature -- I'm getting good at that! I seem to like things "organic" so you don't have to plan and execute precisely. Knowing the characteristics of the soil, I added a little of the cheap Home Depot top soil and some left over sand. Really didn't have enough, but as others have said, "It's just a barn." Spread a little seed and started the sprinkler. Hope it works out to have enough stone to keep the walkway identified and enough grass comes up to keep it from getting muddy when it does rain.

 

[HOTFR8]

That path looks great.

 

[mwbailey]

Thanks, HOTFR8, the proof is in the pudding -- hope it holds up after the grass sprouts and we have some more rain. . . .

 

[HOTFR8]

Will be keen to see how you keep the weeds out of that path.

 

[xtremek]

I like that walk way. I have to make sure SWMBO doesn't see that, or my to-do list will get another item added to it.

 

[mwbailey]

Hello, xtremek, just tell your "SWMBO" to wait for the weeds to grow -- right HOTFR8?! I'm actually hoping the grass will grow well enough to help keep down the weeds. We'll see. . . .

 

[mwbailey]

Well, at the right (low) angle, it actually looks like the grass is growing between the flagstones. Of course, the problem that might arise this spring (in addition to weeds): somebody may have to mow it. Gee, I wonder if you can get a mower deck for a Ford 8N?!

 

[HOTFR8]

You could put a slasher behind but it may not give as good a finish as a mower.

 

[xtremek]

They have flail/mott mowers that are rear pto driven. But you'd want to have turf tires instead of the chevrons.

 

[mwbailey]

Thanks, guys!! Nothing like spending more money on the tractor, huh? I guess I might have to get The Wife's approval. But, I'm not looking for a really NICE lawn look; just something to keep the weeds down a little and cover the pit gravel. I guess I'll put off further decisions until Spring.

 

[mwbailey]

Sometimes you take your enjoyment in small doses!

Today a neighbor came by to rip a board -- knowing I had a small table saw and all of his tools were in storage. Before his arrival, I thought I would clean up a little; mostly sweep down the "middle aisle" and pick up some stuff. While in the process of doing that, I passed by our old clothes washer. It has been in "storage" for over a year since The Wife bought new washer and dryer (having sold her house, finally). The dryer went to our son and his family, but the washer has just been sitting there.

Pumped up the tires on the handcart, rearranged a few items to clear a way, and moved the washer over near the sink. Connected the hot hose to the sink facet and hooked the drain hose to the side of the basin. Then, I gathered up all rags in sight and washed them -- soak, prewash, heavy duty wash, extra rinse. The washer looks like it might be in the way, but I can still get to the sink and other items just up the wall stick out enough that the washer doesn't really protrude any further. I think I'll leave it there for a while.


Besides, now I have room where it was sitting to move the Model T Sedan out of the middle aisle.


AND, I have several piles of (relatively) clean rags.


Yes, I did use the new dryer, but by the time The Wife got back from shopping most of the smell had dissipated.