Something just clicked…..
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Well it is 12 AM and I am going home so I can start over in a few hours. I started out with a big pile of wood that I spent the afternoon cutting to size, then I assembled almost all of the forms. I still have three to put together, put they are smaller ones and should be relatively painless. Then I need to add a few more screws to each form piece, I was in production mode and did not want to take the extra time of flipping them around and adding the screws, so I can go into production mode for that tomorrow morning. Here are a few pictures of what I am doing, I did not get any of the rebar, but I will tomorrow.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Must be nice to be young enough to do that still. I go to bed at 9:00 and sleep until 4:00 and am exhausted all the time.
Are you ready for the pour today?
I am going to pour something today, not sure if it is going to be concrete.
This morning I had to cut a bunch of rebar up so I could load it into my suburban, bandsaw blade broke, but I bought 3 new ones. Except the new ones are not the right ones and don't fit. No one sells the blades local (I tried 3 places), decided screw it I will go and buy the rebar from the local foundation supply house, they have no way to cut it (saw is broken) so now I either need to buy another bandsaw or figure something else out.
Luckily a buddy had a trailer, so I grabbed that and loaded up the 20' pieces so I could bring them to his shop and cut them with a torch. Out of oxygen, so more running around, I can't win. All the rebar is now cut, but I am just getting to the shop now. My Brother is supposed to come help me around 1:00 and I delayed concrete until 3:30 so headless chicken time!
This morning I had to cut a bunch of rebar up so I could load it into my suburban, bandsaw blade broke, but I bought 3 new ones. Except the new ones are not the right ones and don't fit. No one sells the blades local (I tried 3 places), decided screw it I will go and buy the rebar from the local foundation supply house, they have no way to cut it (saw is broken) so now I either need to buy another bandsaw or figure something else out.
Luckily a buddy had a trailer, so I grabbed that and loaded up the 20' pieces so I could bring them to his shop and cut them with a torch. Out of oxygen, so more running around, I can't win. All the rebar is now cut, but I am just getting to the shop now. My Brother is supposed to come help me around 1:00 and I delayed concrete until 3:30 so headless chicken time!
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Then GET GOING. Run Forrest Run.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: good for you to keep thinking and pushing forward with all your challenges this morning. good luck with the pour after you get the rebar all in place. i doubt you'll have time to take pictures so your words are descriptive enough if pictures aren't in the cards.
DLC: funny i used to say that to my 25 year old when he was 5 thru about 10 at his soccer games. he was so fast he'd play offense and defense. He's still going 100 MPH going to UW business school and working as an intern at a big financial firm.
DLC: funny i used to say that to my 25 year old when he was 5 thru about 10 at his soccer games. he was so fast he'd play offense and defense. He's still going 100 MPH going to UW business school and working as an intern at a big financial firm.
bczygan
Well-known member
I'm surprised that the foundation does not get poured in place. Is that because the surrounding earth doesn't really provide much lateral support, so it doesn't matter if it is fill around the foundation block?
Strouty, please don't answer this until you've had a good nights sleep.
Bill
Strouty, please don't answer this until you've had a good nights sleep.
Bill
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My Brother showed up at about 2:00 and I had him assemble the sides of the forms while I bent up the new rebar. We were still finishing things up when the concrete truck showed up at 3:45, but it is poured, the concrete is covered with blankets to help keep the heat in. They should be fine, I ordered high-early with reinforcing fibers. Hopefully the lifting loops are strong enough to allow picking them if not, it is going to be a royal pain in the a$$. I will update on Sunday, I had to load the suburban for tomorrow, going to reinstall the motor for the antenna that had issues, so most likely not going to be in the mood to update. Now I am headed home to get some sleep.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: hope the cement blocks turned out like you planned. Have a great day
I found this thread from google and spent the last two days reading it, from post one to post 2130. When I started I saw the length of the thread and how it was started two years ago and assumed you must have ended up with an awesome clean shop that was highly efficient. I'll be back in two years.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: nevermind the troll. Hope you are having a great weekend
That was actually a bit humorous. This thread is kind of like a TV miniseries, seems like it will never end.
I wanted to spend some time at the shop today, but it turned out that this morning was cold enough that I was reminded that the addition at the house is still not totally insulated and there are vents letting air directly in. Well I spent all day working on that, not totally done, but it should be a lot better tomorrow morning. I probably have another evening of work to get it buttoned up, then I have to remove a window and install the sub panel so I can start wiring it up. Fun stuff, but this week the priority is the tower extension.
The foundations came out nice, I will be bringing the excavator to the site tomorrow, then the concrete blocks will be brought over after that, I may get them all there tomorrow, but if it ends up being Tuesday morning I should still be fine. I can sense a couple of long days, Wednesday I have the crane coming and pretty much have to do the job in any weather.
I did get my laptop back, but there is some weird software issue and it appears I have to reinstall the OS again. So that is my next step, but I really want to get to bed early tonight.
I also totally screwed up in my rush to get the concrete poured. I have a vertical pipe that is now in concrete and I forgot to cut it down, now it is 2' too tall, not an issue for the tower, but it will have to be tipped on its side so it won't be over height. More effort for no reason, seems to be the story of my life.
I wanted to spend some time at the shop today, but it turned out that this morning was cold enough that I was reminded that the addition at the house is still not totally insulated and there are vents letting air directly in. Well I spent all day working on that, not totally done, but it should be a lot better tomorrow morning. I probably have another evening of work to get it buttoned up, then I have to remove a window and install the sub panel so I can start wiring it up. Fun stuff, but this week the priority is the tower extension.
The foundations came out nice, I will be bringing the excavator to the site tomorrow, then the concrete blocks will be brought over after that, I may get them all there tomorrow, but if it ends up being Tuesday morning I should still be fine. I can sense a couple of long days, Wednesday I have the crane coming and pretty much have to do the job in any weather.
I did get my laptop back, but there is some weird software issue and it appears I have to reinstall the OS again. So that is my next step, but I really want to get to bed early tonight.
I also totally screwed up in my rush to get the concrete poured. I have a vertical pipe that is now in concrete and I forgot to cut it down, now it is 2' too tall, not an issue for the tower, but it will have to be tipped on its side so it won't be over height. More effort for no reason, seems to be the story of my life.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
It is amazing how much even little spaces let cold air in . . .
At least you noticed the over height issue before you got on the road. One time out in Hollywood traffic was stopped by the 'wing' of a Klingon bird of prey that got sheared off going under a bridge . . . driver didn't notice that the construction company hadn't taken the height of the truck into its measurements . . . whoopsie . . .
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Strouty - nice work so far with everything. I found this a while back and meant to post it up for you.
The last section under Making a List I thought might help you out. Different approach than normal, something I've been meaning to try.
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/...ise2015_GrowthPartner_Q3_PaidMedia_SmartBrief
The last section under Making a List I thought might help you out. Different approach than normal, something I've been meaning to try.
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/...ise2015_GrowthPartner_Q3_PaidMedia_SmartBrief
Wanna Ride
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Yeah, I thought the cantilever design is cool, but it's clunky and inefficient. It never really worked that well on real monster trucks either.
Quick update, the crane I hired for the tower extension cancelled on me tonight. He blew a hydraulic pump. So now I have to wait for him to get it fixed before we can reschedule. I know the customer is not going to be happy, but I can't do anything about it.
I installed all the anchors today, tomorrow I will finish reinforcing one that is mounted to the roof. We are going to clear a tree out of the way as well as load the excavator up so I can bring it back to the shop.
I also had to place another call about the Lista cabinets I bought, so hopefully I will be able to pick those up on Thursday, so maybe, just maybe I can finally get the storage wall finished and put all my stuff away.
I am headed back to the shop now to pick up some more supplies for tomorrow, I may do a little cleaning, but I want to get to bed early tonight. Also I got my laptop back, but have not set everything up on it yet and my shop computer crashed, so now I have to deal with that one. May be time to buy a new one, we will see.
I also wanted to spend some time responding to everyone's posts, I hope you don't feel like I am ignoring you. I will be able to update with some pictures this weekend. Of course I did not get some pictures that I wished I had, but it was either dark or I just wasn't thinking about it.
I installed all the anchors today, tomorrow I will finish reinforcing one that is mounted to the roof. We are going to clear a tree out of the way as well as load the excavator up so I can bring it back to the shop.
I also had to place another call about the Lista cabinets I bought, so hopefully I will be able to pick those up on Thursday, so maybe, just maybe I can finally get the storage wall finished and put all my stuff away.
I am headed back to the shop now to pick up some more supplies for tomorrow, I may do a little cleaning, but I want to get to bed early tonight. Also I got my laptop back, but have not set everything up on it yet and my shop computer crashed, so now I have to deal with that one. May be time to buy a new one, we will see.
I also wanted to spend some time responding to everyone's posts, I hope you don't feel like I am ignoring you. I will be able to update with some pictures this weekend. Of course I did not get some pictures that I wished I had, but it was either dark or I just wasn't thinking about it.
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dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Well don't worry about what we all think of your lack of caring by not responding to our post.
We know you are way to busy to concern yourself with the "little" folk in your life.
But when you have a free moment, maybe you can find the time to catch us up on what you are doing so we can find the time to respond to what is going on in your life.
And carry on. We'll still be here to wonder what the next chapter of the "tower boy" is going to expound upon.
Now, waiting for a comeback or shut down.
Don't get offensive. You know where that came from.
We know you are way to busy to concern yourself with the "little" folk in your life. But when you have a free moment, maybe you can find the time to catch us up on what you are doing so we can find the time to respond to what is going on in your life.And carry on. We'll still be here to wonder what the next chapter of the "tower boy" is going to expound upon.
Now, waiting for a comeback or shut down.
Don't get offensive. You know where that came from.
Wanna Ride
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Strouty, forgive me for asking a dumb question that you've probably described already, but what kind of antenna towers are these?
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I think he said they were Ham radio antenna's
The one that I did the foundations for is being used at a fire department for the paging system that the volunteers need when a call comes in. I am extending a 80 foot tower to 120 foot tower. The other ones that I have been working on are HAM radio towers. I work on everything under the sun, even buildings and water tanks. This is the first year I have really been back at it, so nothing is smooth. I will have to decide if I am really going to start up again or just float. Starting up will mean hiring and training and money. Floating means I make less but have more time to make messes in the shop.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Seems like you already know the answer. Why would you put yourself through the stress of having to train and put up with other peoples mistakes. I say you float and mess up your shop some more.
bczygan
Well-known member
Float!
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
If you need some more help to decide, we can start a poll here. I'm sure it'll turn out in favor of you being in your shop.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
He set his alarm for it.
bczygan
Well-known member
But of course!
Well, it could also have something to do with the wife turning on all the lights, TV and making a racket at 5:30, while getting ready for work.......
I used to just fart and pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. But now she makes me actually get up and even talk to her and walk her out the door to the car!!! So demanding...
Wish I still worked a job. I used to slide in at 9 or 9:30. Now the wife demands that I suffer along with her early rising.
Hey! I started a blog to document my house and yard cleanup. Just in the middle of my first post. It's here:
http://czy1.blogspot.com/2015/10/introduction.html
Looking forward to more progress on Strouty's end, once he gets this bothersome job complete.
Bill
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Wanna Ride
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Lack of stress has a value, my friend. I translate everything as a budget... time, stress, attention, effort, etc.
If you have to bust 100% of your *** and be 100% stressed, 100% of the time to net $100... or bust *** 35% of the time, be 35% stressed, for only 35% of the time, to net $75.... pretty easy equation to me.
Now... all of that is easier said than done, because for some damn reason, I choose to be bust my *** 100%, be 100% stressed, at 100% of the time. SMH.
If you have to bust 100% of your *** and be 100% stressed, 100% of the time to net $100... or bust *** 35% of the time, be 35% stressed, for only 35% of the time, to net $75.... pretty easy equation to me.
Now... all of that is easier said than done, because for some damn reason, I choose to be bust my *** 100%, be 100% stressed, at 100% of the time. SMH.
Wanna, part of my mental issues is that I like chaos and enjoy the challenge. The problem is that it tends to make me procrastinate when I shouldn't and things become more stressful for no reason. I have been working on it, but it is a long process, hopefully I can find other less stressful ways to stress myself out.
Floating is what my goal is, I have been putting a lot of effort into towers that will bring long term revenue. I think next year I will be able to pay all my bills (the basics) with the tower revenue and then if I want to do more I need to find some jobs and or flip some items.
I ultimately want to travel around the country buying and selling things and I would also rebuild a few medium duty trucks at the shop. I am building the shop so I can easily do things by myself, that way I do not have to count on anyone else.
Today I am finally headed to Lista to pick up the cabinets, apparently they lost one of the ones I bought, so they are giving me a different one that actually has more drawers. Tonight I will probably stay at the shop for a while and start assembling things. I am super excited about this, I have been waiting almost tow months for this to happen!
Floating is what my goal is, I have been putting a lot of effort into towers that will bring long term revenue. I think next year I will be able to pay all my bills (the basics) with the tower revenue and then if I want to do more I need to find some jobs and or flip some items.
I ultimately want to travel around the country buying and selling things and I would also rebuild a few medium duty trucks at the shop. I am building the shop so I can easily do things by myself, that way I do not have to count on anyone else.
Today I am finally headed to Lista to pick up the cabinets, apparently they lost one of the ones I bought, so they are giving me a different one that actually has more drawers. Tonight I will probably stay at the shop for a while and start assembling things. I am super excited about this, I have been waiting almost tow months for this to happen!
bczygan
Well-known member
Bet you can't wait to TOW them home!
Wanna Ride
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: since you have all the know how are you able to buy property or lease spaces to build and re lease the towers you build? i'm guessing that is maybe what your dad did?
i leased roof and parking lot space for several cell phone companies years ago and it was a sweet deal for the landlords once we got the attorneys to agree on the terms of the lease. it sounds like you probably already have a few good leases to use so you don't have to re invent the wheel and you know a lot of guys in the business.
the only downside i see is if the technology changes and you either have to find a different use for the towers or take them down.
might be a great way to own real estate free and clear in 20 or so years and i'm guessing a lot of the properties would have views or maybe close to water.
having a few guys you can call to come help you when you get a bigger job is maybe where you want to be instead of having a full time crew and all the headaches.
cheers
i leased roof and parking lot space for several cell phone companies years ago and it was a sweet deal for the landlords once we got the attorneys to agree on the terms of the lease. it sounds like you probably already have a few good leases to use so you don't have to re invent the wheel and you know a lot of guys in the business.
the only downside i see is if the technology changes and you either have to find a different use for the towers or take them down.
might be a great way to own real estate free and clear in 20 or so years and i'm guessing a lot of the properties would have views or maybe close to water.
having a few guys you can call to come help you when you get a bigger job is maybe where you want to be instead of having a full time crew and all the headaches.
cheers
Drives, Dad owns ten towers, I own one and I am partners in another one and we are going to be building another that I will be a partner in. I also get 25% of the revenue that I bring to the table. So I am trying to develop that end a lot. As far as the technology changing, it does, but the frequencies are always the same and any terrestrial ones need the towers regardless of what they are being used for. Someone would have to come up with a totally different way to transmit and receive signals before towers would become obsolete. I don't think that will happen in my lifetime, but who knows. If it does, then I would get paid to take towers down.
I ended up unloading the cabinets tonight, but I didn't do anything with them yet. I wanted to get home for a bit. Tomorrow I have a few things to do that are job related, but this weekend will be used for the Lista storage wall and organizing things for sure.
I ended up unloading the cabinets tonight, but I didn't do anything with them yet. I wanted to get home for a bit. Tomorrow I have a few things to do that are job related, but this weekend will be used for the Lista storage wall and organizing things for sure.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I am glad that you got your lista cabinets home.