2/4/12

Me having a jam on the nail gun,installing piles.

Today we resumed the build,The rest of the piles were cut to size and installed to the sole plates.We then went to the eshed and discussed what was going to happen with the bearers,We grabbed 140X45 H3.2 timber and lined them up on the piles,With the over hang of the timber we cut,they were cut so they matched up halfway on the pile so we could join the other bearers on the pile to hold the strength.Once they were flush at each end we flipped them over and drew a 25mm deep line at the top and bottom on the bearer,then measured in 300mm increments and ruled a line for where the nails are to be placed.Then the bearers were all clamped and kept tight.

Me cutting up 4x2 for piles using the Radial arm saw.

Next up was the nails,We nailed the nails in on angles,one nail going in one way and another going in the other.This is to stop the bearers from falling apart when the house is moved.I started cutting up 4X2 for the bracing of the piles which will be hammered in place tomorrow.We also got split up and sent to the class to learn how to do the "Overall,Individual and Running measurements along with getting the center of a stud ".For the Top and Bottom plates.I also learnt about studs and dwangs.We were also shown by Mark how a water level is used.He grabbed a bottle,drilled a hole in the bottom and attached a 20 metre hose
to it and filled it with water.We then marked a line on the wall and transfered it to a table leg on the other side of the room,it was level.So I found that interesting and cool for something so basic.I also used a nail gun today,To nail the bearer to the piles,put pressure on the safety tooth and angled it upwards then pulled the trigger.Really easy tool to use and really effective.

Water Level

Here's a picture of a homemade Water level,worked like a charm.

A 20 metre hose was used,A drill was also used to do the hole in the bottom of the bottle.Water was then put in and we marked a line on the wall,then run the hose to the other side of the room and marked another line,We had them dead accurate,There must be no bubbles in the water or no small holes in the tubing as this can effect the results.This is a cheap and effective way to get things at the right height,especially over long distances.If these are being used outdoors during winter then anti freeze can be added to prevent it from freezing up.Dye can also be used to make it easier to see.