Well . . . another one of the projects on my DW list for this year is to do something with the top step leading into the basement. As you can see it is not very pretty. Much like the window well I recently completed.
First thing I had to do was some destruction. I was building this with no real plan . . . although I do have a finished product in mind. This “non-plan” approach had me cutting the same boards three times before it was right. I should have done my calculations first. Oh well.
I notched the top part of the stringer and had to notch the frame so it would lay level. this was a test fit.
Next I had to add some support with the two concrete blocks. They were a little high so I had to do some digging. Anywhere there is wood touching concrete or wood, in addition to my wood preserving mixture, I put a strip of ice shield. This tip was given to me some time ago by an older gentleman (he used strips of tar paper) to prevent water buildup.
This is as far as I got today.
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them
3 comments so far
Russel
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1229 posts in 421 days
posted 100 days ago
Zuki, I’ve tried contruction type projects. Fortunately, my sons came to fix them. What looks simple simply is not. You gotta respect someone who can do what you’re doing, and make it look good as well. My hat’s off to you.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
Betsy
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1779 posts in 378 days
posted 100 days ago
I agree with Russell – those simple projects kind of morph into not so simple and “honey – I really thought I’d be done today—- but it may be next Thursday” projects.
I had a friend make his deck with the blocks you have there – they worked great and made construction a whole lot easier. Of course, I can say that because I didn’t help except with an occasional—atta boy. I think I got him a glass of tea once also….. :-)
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Zuki
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851 posts in 559 days
posted 100 days ago
What complicated matters was the fact that my 18v batteries will no longer hold a good charge. The recip saw did not drain much juice . . . but holy cow did the circular saw drink it up.
Add 2 batteries to new tool list.
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them