Realistic Expectations - self raising a barn

[John P.]

I've posted to the forum before, regarding a 20x30 gambrel. I'm not yet ready to purchase a frame, but am starting to get closer to my goal - I've submitted my variance request. The designs I've posted here have changed slightly, but the overall size and shape haven't.

In the interim, I've gotten a few quotes for construction and, well, I'd like to save some money so I can go with a nicer frame. I am planning on contracting out the foundation.

So - is it possible for a single person - with the right equipment - to erect a timber frame (or timber-like frame - more on that in a moment)? I've looked at all-terrain forklifts. It appears they can lift the various pieces of wood. Where I get a bit concerned is when I watch videos of frames going up, and see two people manipulating a piece of wood. One running the forklift, and another fitting the wood piece in.

As far as the frame I'm looking at, it appears to be a mix of traditional joinery, and screws (braces). I'm not sure it is much of an upgrade compared to the post and beam (metal plate) kit I was looking at before. My concern with the post and beam is any contraction and expansion of the metal plates as compared to the wood, and eventual failures of the metal plates.

Thanks!

John

[Brian_Weekley]

John,

Yes, it's possible.  However, having at least two or three extra people will make a big difference.  It will definitely take a lot more planning to do it by yourself.  Besides, having friends on hand makes it faster, safer, and a lot more fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDfFjP1No-Q

Brian

[John P.]

I *really* like that block and tackle design.

[Dave Shepard]

Jack Sobon raised an entire scribe rule English barn by himself. I think it took him 30 hours. No hydraulics, all gin pole.

[witterbound]

I'd bet that frame Jack raised wasn't his first.  I do not think a rookie can safely rise a big barn frame by himself. 

[logman]

I raised my current home mostly by myself with a hand cranked Genie lift.

www.mktimberworks.com

[John P.]

I've looked at the Genie lifts, not too sure if they could handle a whole job. And yes... I have zero experience with this sort of construction, hence my concern. Honestly, I'd even be concerned if I was directing family/friends (of which I don't think I have any that could help).

Several factors are driving me to want to do this myself:

• Past experience with contractors who had good references
• Cost
• Quality of work (see first bullet point)
• Limited access on two sides of the structure
• My natural inclination for building things

Given enough time, I'd convince myself to cut the frame (but first I'd need it designed).

[thecfarm]

Depends how much you like climbing up and down ladders all day.  ;D  I built here just about all by myself. I even put up the facer trim boards alone.  : Just have to build a stand to put the lumber on. But in your case you "kinda" build it on the ground and than raise it into place?

[John P.]

Depends how much you like climbing up and down ladders all day.  ;D  I built here just about all by myself. I even put up the facer trim boards alone.  : Just have to build a stand to put the lumber on. But in your case you "kinda" build it on the ground and than raise it into place?

I don't mind going up/down ladders. I'm not sure I have the ability to raise a singe bent at once though. Since I don't have a frame plan, I don't know what kind of weight I'd be looking at. I think I could calculate it, though, using the density of wet wood and an approximation of the amount of board length/size.

[jander3]

Yes.


https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,33283.msg566739.html#msg566739

[Chilterns]

There is an article in Timber-Frame Houses [ISBN 1-56158-047-3] by Ross Kirk, published by Taunton Books, entitled - "Solo Timber-Raising". This article was first published in Fine Homebuilding magazine in Feb 1981 where he illustrates and explains how to raise frames using a gin pole, pulleys and a tractor for motive power.

Chilterns

[John P.]

There is an article in Timber-Frame Houses [ISBN 1-56158-047-3] by Ross Kirk, published by Taunton Books, entitled - "Solo Timber-Raising". This article was first published in Fine Homebuilding magazine in Feb 1981 where he illustrates and explains how to raise frames using a gin pole, pulleys and a tractor for motive power.

Chilterns

Thanks - just got it from the shelf (I work in a building that houses an engineering/architectural library).

[Roger Nair]

In order to pull off a solo raising you must have a frame designed with a solo raising in mind, so generically my answer is no.  Do not underestimate the value of a raising as a social work experience nor underestimate the value of having someone at each point of contact while something complex is being assembled, it's not just the fitting it's the communication while the task is ongoing. 

[fishfighter]

I say yes if one plans ahead and has the right equipment on hand. Work smart and plan well.

[Jim_Rogers]

The whole key to the entire project is planning. You need to plan it out right. One way to do that is to make a model of the frame at a very good scale.
I use 1" = 1' this size works good and you get to know where each stick goes and how it will fit even if they are only hot glued together.
You can even practice your raising plan.

After you have a good design, a good model, and a raising plan then you'll need to cut all your joints.
Now that your joints are done you'll need to test fit them together to make sure they will go together when you're lowering one down with a gin pole block and tackle.

What we do is assemble a "wall" first and test fit all the posts and plates in a wall assembly. Next you do the other wall, after taking the first wall all apart again.
Once the two walls are assembled and taken apart you'll know that the post's top tenon is going to fit into the plates as you lower the plate down onto the posts. These are the most important parts that have to fit.
After your walls have been test fit you can now assemble your bents. some people will leave the bents assembled and stacked like dominoes laying down so that the first bent to be raised is on top. Then raise them one by one securing the upright with boards or planks back to the sills or floor system.

To figure the load of a bent you do the math on the number of board feet in the assembly. Then convert that to pounds. This will tell you how much a bent weighs. Next you divide the total weight of the bent by 3, as 2/3's of the weight will be on the feet of the posts as it pivots up from the deck to a vertical position. You will be only lifting about 1/3 the weight of the bent with the gin pole block and tackle.
Staging, supports, and blocking can be used to hold everything up while other pieces are being "flown in" with the block and tackle.

Watching a raising before attempting one is a great teaching event. Go to one if you can. If not watch as many as you can on youtube.

Good luck with your research and keep asking questions.

Jim Rogers