Hi! It is 10:44 PM. It has been six days since I received a contract - 90% of the money, actually - to do the Seever arbor. I spent the first two days trying to figure out how to get all of the tools and equipment I need to do this (and on-going) projects. Two days later, last Friday, I had figured out how much I could or should spend, after pricing the materials - as well as the basic tools - and purchased everything that I thought I needed. It turned out that one of the pieces was only an add-on, so I had to replace it with a full-fledged miter saw stand, which ended up costing about $40 more (after sales tax). Otherwise I met my budget exactly, and got everything I needed - the basics, at least - for almost exactly 1/3 of the amount I had projected.
I started putting the various tools together on Saturday, but didn't get the table saw and miter saw (and stand) set up until just after lunch on Monday (yesterday). I then proceeded to get the basic segments of the first arch cut out. In a few hours this morning (just about two exactly) I managed to get all of the pieces for a second arch - along with the accessories for the first and second arches - cut out. I then ate and went to Lowe's and purchased the remaining wood to complete the third and fourth arches.
I also have the dowels I need to connect all of the arch segments and splices for the two outside arches. If I determine to dowel the two inner arches, then I will have to purchase additional dowels. If not, I will simply bolt (and screw) them together. I have to cut the dowels to size tomorrow morning, along with cutting out the remaining arch segments. After that I will set up the drill press, and start drilling all of the segments, splices, connectors, and dowels. I'd like to start putting them together Thursday afternoon, and install the columns and beams on Friday.
To make a long story short, I'm now in business, and loving it. I had the idea today to start my Master Builder School, TALiaison, and allow students to pay for the school by working - enabling me to both attract students (their education will be free) and get free labor - a win-win. I'd like to do that next summer, a year from now, if possible.
Life is good, and I am on now, finally, on my way! I am soooooo thankful!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
P.S. I got up at 6:00 yesterday, and 5:30 this morning. It is now 11:15. I'm supposed to be in bed at 10:00!
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