11.21.2024

Jim and my mom had dentist appointments this morning so we all headed out early for those.  Mine got canceled because my hygienist had to be out, so I'll be going on Monday morning.  But they both got good checkups, so that's good news.

In the shop, Jim took the plywood cutoffs and turned them into our connection flanges for the other side of the shed.  First he cut the plywood into long strips... 

Then he put a stop at just the right length for his pieces, and could easily continue feeding the piece through and it would cut to just the same size.

Jim probably searched through over 100 batteries, matching polarity and size, and ended up buying the very closest he could find.  It came in yesterday so he tried it out.  He had to modify the base where it sits because this battery was just a tad too long.  He is using a giant zip tie to make sure it stays in place.  It works!

The noise from my car has almost faded completely away, but Jim put it back up on the car lift to do more investigating...

In addition, it's time for an oil change and to put my winter tires on.  He is again spraying the film underneath to prevent corrosion...

High 43/Low 39.6 - rainy

11.20.2024

 Today's first outside task was going to the old shed for scaffolding...

Starting to build...

We needed more blocks for underneath the scaffolding feet, so Jim brought up his chainsaw and cut some from one of our old planks...

Continuing to set up the scaffolding...

Once the scaffolding was set up, time to mark and cut the garage door opening from the front pieces of sheathing...

Using a hand saw at the bottom...

First side cut...

Starting on the other side...

Cutting the bottom by hand...

Both sides cut - the opening looks nice and big now!

Putting in all the screws at the edges of the sheathing around the opening...

Next, Jim wanted to attach connection flanges that will tie the lower and upper sheathing together to make them act as one.  Jim used his new saw to cut a bunch of strips the same size and then made this jig that fits over the top of the bottom sheathing.  He clamps it on and it holds the strip in the back at the precise location...

Then he screws it in place and unscrews the jig...

Continuing that process all the way down the wall...

The view of the flanges from the inside...

End-of-the-day picture!

High 52.6/Low 37.3

11.19.2024

Jim did some more investigation work on my car this morning.  He's still not sure enough to order parts yet, so more troubleshooting is in the works.

He got everything ready and then after lunch we headed back up to work on the shed.  We measured for the two left side pieces and then Jim cut the sheathing in the pavilion... 

We took the plywood back to the shed, but the first piece to be marked and go up was the other front piece...

Fastening it in place...

Then the first side piece gets moved into place...

Jim starts putting the many screws in...

Then we moved over the last big piece...

Fastening...

This side was a little harder for Jim to work on because the dirt is loose, but it sure looks good!

View from the front...

Bringing in the plywood cutoff pieces and all the tools at the end of the day.

Jim finished the day looking over the car again.

High 54.7/Low 36.1

11.18.2024

Jim did more troubleshooting on the car this morning and then put it back together.  He's hoping to get parts ordered and then schedule the work for the end of the week when we are supposed to get some rain. 

After lunch, we headed outside.  First job was to cut the pieces of sheathing for both sides of the right wall.  Putting boards underneath so that he can use the saw...

Cutting...

Once Jim got both side pieces cut, we loaded them on the forks and took them back to the shed area.  I marked the screw locations on the last full piece of sheathing and then Jim put it in place...

Starting all the screws...

While Jim was fastening, I got the two side pieces marked.  When he was finished, he moved the first side piece in place...

Starting to fasten...

Then the next piece goes up...

Fastening the last piece on this side.  There are so many screws to push through both wood and steel, that Jim's wrists are definitely ready to stop at the end of the day!

Two sides are done (except for top section on sides) - looks very different inside now!

The outside view of the two sides...

High 57.9/Low 39.8

11.17.2024

Jim put my car on the car lift yesterday to start investigating the noises.  He's already planning on what parts to order.

Starting to investigate the lift cylinder project as well.  Unfortunately, the service manual he bought appears correct, with right model and serial number range, but the directions for the lift cylinders shows another Bobcat model!  I've already written to the company to see what they say.

Kyle and Hope came for a visit yesterday afternoon - it was good to see them and we had a nice time!  

This afternoon, we were back outside.  We loaded up 4 more sheets of plywood on the forks, I marked all the screw positions, and Jim got the next side piece moved into position...

Fastening in place...

The trees get a little trim because they are in the way!

Before working on the left side, more tree trimming...

First piece on the left side going up...

Making sure everything is plumb...

Starting to fasten...

Last full piece on the back going up...

Putting all the screws in...

The shed is really looking like a building now!

Obviously the front pieces are partial, but Jim wanted to put the next piece up so that every side has sheathing for stability.  He'll cut the opening out after it's attached.

Checking to make sure it's plumb before starting to fasten...

November 16 - High 59.2/Low 25.6
November 17 - High 53.7/Low 29.4