My timber frame build

Ljohnsaw · June 30, 2024, 01:47:07 AM

Today we got five more rafters up making the total fourteen. Half of the required for the west side. Had to move all the lifting equipment so that took a bit of time.

Switching to start at the south end where I need the extra help. Hope to get two or three up before my brother has to leave.

Ljohnsaw · June 30, 2024, 08:04:17 PM

Final tally, 18 up, 10 more required, have 5 good pieces left and only 1 really bad reject.

Last year I had to take a 1" trim slice off a log when making a beam. I cut it into two 8'-4"x30" pieces. My brother kept eyeing them. Finally convinced him to take them home.

Magicman · June 30, 2024, 09:30:26 PM

So I am reading that you still need to make more rafters? What is your next step? Can you hang rafters without help?

Ljohnsaw · June 30, 2024, 11:17:19 PM

I was basing my need on an old remembrance. I knew I was 4 short when I cut these many years ago. Recently I was thinking TOTAL, not just one side. 🙄

I have three 33' x 26-30" logs. One has too many large knot to use as rafters. Maybe get a couple from the center? The other two I should get a good collection, I think. Plenty to compete the west slope and a good start on the east slope. I have my logger looking for a load.

In the meantime, yes, I can get the rafters up alone. My brother and I got a pretty good rhythm going that includes temporary strapping at various steps in the process. We got the four cut and up in about four hours, so an hour each? By myself, I'll rack up some serious ladder time.

Magicman · July 01, 2024, 08:00:30 AM

Having done all of my building alone I understand, but I was never at the height that you are working at.

Think safe and work safe.

barbender · July 01, 2024, 01:31:20 PM

What engine do you have in your SkyTrak?

Ljohnsaw · July 01, 2024, 04:19:50 PM

Ford 4 cylinder turbo. I've been told it is either a 444T or a 268T, IIRC. Also told a very common age engine.

Marked, cut, lifted, placed and screwed in one rafter by myself in about 90 minutes. With my brother helping, I think we were in the 45-60 range.

Ljohnsaw · July 03, 2024, 08:46:13 PM

My brother sent me his pictures so I'll back up a few days and show from a different perspective. Here is the second rafter raising on Wednesday and I'm in this "where's Waldo" shot.

Then rasing rafter #6 on Thursday.

On Thursday, our sister came up from Sacramento to visit with us in the morning. Merrie does not like heights but a little encouragement got her up the ladder to the loft level.

The results Saturday afternoon (Michael).

And me.

SwampDonkey · July 03, 2024, 10:02:25 PM

You'll soon have it conquered in good time.

Magicman · July 06, 2024, 07:55:02 PM

Wow, Congrats are surely in order for reaching this milestone. Trudging ahead single-handed will certainly reduce your productivity but..........

Old Greenhorn · July 06, 2024, 08:37:24 PM

Getting the rafters up is a great landmark. Getting rafters p early in the build season is golden, because we all know what comes next.

Hammer on John!

Ljohnsaw · July 06, 2024, 10:55:11 PM

Looks like temps down here will drop into the upper 90s this weekend so I might venture up and saw out some rafters.

Stephen1 · July 07, 2024, 09:12:06 AM

Great Work!
What type of roof will go on? Shingle or Steel?

Ljohnsaw · July 07, 2024, 09:31:34 AM

Standing seam steel.

SwampDonkey · July 07, 2024, 10:41:22 AM

With all that snow up there, steel is the way to go. Put it up and forget it.

Jim1611 · July 16, 2024, 11:24:43 AM

What a wonderful home you're going to have someday!

Ljohnsaw · July 16, 2024, 10:32:06 PM

So my buddy and I went up over the weekend to try and make some rafters from the last three logs I have. The first one had lots of knots on three sides. Got a big stack of 4x6 girts to frame out the windows. And two rafters. I'll true these up with my MP200.

Then we pulled out the smallest log and got five rafters and a couple 2x10s to replace a bad floor joist.

I'll mill up the last one later this week.

And I bought a Genie S45 diesel lift to make it easier to continue.😁

SwampDonkey · July 17, 2024, 01:59:36 AM

Up here you need a license for one of them things.

Magicman · July 17, 2024, 08:06:08 AM

Are you about to have a rafter shortage?

Andries · July 17, 2024, 10:10:57 AM

A while ago, you said that you tipped off your logger to find more mill logs for you. I hope he comes up with something for you pretty soon.
Having that Genie lift will change the game for sure!

Ljohnsaw · July 17, 2024, 10:26:42 AM

No mention of license requirements here. Don't give the governor any more hair brained ideas!

Yes, a rafter shortage is imminent. But no lack of work to do...

Just got a text back from my logger. He's running behind because his crews were called up to the fire lines.

GRANITEstateMP · July 18, 2024, 06:49:37 AM

John, The genie will be super handy. Unless it is an XC model, the basket will have a 500lb capacity, just a heads up. If it doesn't have a users manual with it, you can get one off the genie website. I would recommend going over the emergency (no power) down procedure, it is a good thing to know

SwampDonkey · July 18, 2024, 08:35:18 AM

Training and licensing comes under OHS (occupational health and safety) regs up here.

https://onlinesafetytraining.ca/2024/02/operating-aerial-lift-equipment

Ljohnsaw · July 18, 2024, 09:56:28 AM

I printed the ~60 page operator's manual and the ~300 page service manual. Yes, mine has the 500 pound capacity, 4x4 drive and self leveling feature. I will still need level-ish spots to operate it.

Ljohnsaw · July 21, 2024, 01:58:29 AM

So the Genie has a intermittent issue. The previous owner "fixed" it by installing a jumper on the key switch. That allowed you to start the engine from the ground when set to basket. The emergency off switch in the basket didn't work and you could start the engine from the basket "sometimes".

So I studied the wiring schematics. I narrowed it down to a cable with three wires. I disconnected the plug ends, jumped the black and brown on one end and did a continuity check. Good. I suspected the white wire. Jumped black and white, open circuit.

This cable runs in an energy chain. The outer insulation on a couple of the cables is worn, including this one. Lots of looking and a very unsuspecting area was the issue. Maybe a 1/4" of outer missing but wires and stress cord were intact. There was a little twist in the white wire. I could feel the conductor was broken. I think it made contact every now and then that caused issues.

Anyhow, stripped the wire back, did a butt splice and zip tied that cable to a neighboring one. Would rather solder it. Maybe later. Removed the jumper and thing work like they should now.

The only thing not working is the high idle solenoid. I got it to manually fire a few times but now it won't. Maybe it's faulty. The PO had raised up the low idle and that makes it jerky. I lowered it back down. I'm not taking it out to the races.