To: "homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org" <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [Homestead] Self-reliance quiz
Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2005 09:32:37 -0700
We talk a lot about self-reliance. Such a condition ultimately means doing
many things by oneself. I am building a ramada in front of the house. The
four posts are nine-to-ten-inch rounds of Ponderosa Pine sitting on
concrete piers that extend six inches above the ground with half-inch rebar
extending six inches above the piers. I drilled holes in the bottom of the
posts and set the posts atop, then braced each post securely with
two-by-fours.
The challenge is to place the sixteen-foot beams atop the posts. The beams
are eleven-inch rounds of the same material, flattened on the bottom to sit
flush atop the posts. Yesterday Chris and I raised the first beam to the
top of two six-foot stepladders--me lifting one end at a time and she
moving the stepladders to hold the bean on a next-higher step--at which
time two stout male neighbors appeared and insisted on helping the semi-old
geezer and his semi-young wife. No problems. Ten-inch long, half-inch
galvanized lag bolts counter-sunk five inches into the top of the beam
completed the first beam work.
Today Chris flies off to Dallas on business. So, unless I enlist the
neighbors--if they are available--I must lift the second beam myself. I
estimate the beam weight to be between four and five hundred pounds. I can
lift either end but not the whole thing at once.
In addition to the two six-foot stepladders I have an eight-foot
stepladder. I also have a few eight-foot two-by-fours and assorted scrap
one-by and two-by material. There is nothing long enough available to erect
an A-frame from which to lift. There are no nearby trees.
Here's the quiz: How would you accomplish the placement of the second beam
onto the posts if you had to be self-reliant?