Custom Copper [collars]

Requests come in all the time when surrounded by creative individuals. And this was going to be a pricey one, commodities always fluctuate in cost and ever changing with supply and demand needs. Copper pipe is on the up-tick of late, but I put a holding 30 day quote prior to install and got a local plumbing supply company to commit to $6.12 per foot, 1-1/2″ …. 1/8″ walled copper plumbing tubing. Our usage for this copper tubing, in such, was for fence and redwood deck railing.

The spacing needed to suffice local codes and also required a rather tricky custom fastening collar attachment with like metal screws to be compatible [ no electrolysis] and endure the harsh coastal climate on the west coast. With 6×6 posts carrying all burden, sealed with an oil base primer before inserting into our posts holes, and a 2×8 rough douglas fir cap, we obtain a unique and stylish alternative to the common everyday barrier. We used a fine hand saw on some of the finish cuts for noise is often an issued in gated communities.

The custom collars had to have a base silver solder braised to an 1-1/2″ coupler and predrilled for our screws. We installed these after layout by using a Vix bit to relieve the extra stress on our fasteners and keep a clean machine like finish to the phillip’s heads. Our client became ecstatic when arriving home and seeing the finished product, while her real estate portfolio knowingly greatly improved by adding an outrageously avant-garde curb appeal.

Erecting a Garden Fence

Fencing might seem like a task suited more for professionals, but in truth it can be achieved by the average person with the right tools and a little elbow grease. You will need a post hole digger (or a shovel and a lot of elbow grease), a shovel, a wheelbarrow, a nail gun, a hand saw, a measuring tape, and a level. You will also need the supplies necessary for a wood fence, including wood posts, wood beams, wood slats, and concrete. The first step is to set the posts in concrete, which can take several days to dry. Space your post holes in specific intervals (often 6-8 feet), and then dig them out with the post hole digger (about 24 inches deep). Then place the posts in the holes and add the concrete, ensuring the posts are level.

When the concrete is dry, cut your wood beams and place them between your posts, ensuring they are level. Then begin placing the wood slats with nails from your Dewalt nail gun. Nail guns have different power and pressure levels, so be sure you're not driving in the nails too deep or not deep enough. When you're done, provided your measurements were correct, you'll have a great looking wood fence for your garden!

This Home is safe and Comfy

I love watching the show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and one of my favorite episodes was that of the house built for a deaf couple who had two kids, the youngest of which was blind and autistic. Each bedroom definitely catered to their extra-special needs, employing technology and child care expert to make the house safe and comfy for everyone.

The host's secret project was to create tool sheds for the dad, who works as a mechanic. The shed was filled with everything a mechanic and budding carpenter would need: drills, nuts and bolts, antique hand saws, everything. The father was overwhelmed, since he said it's been a long time since someone did something special for him. When their eldest boy saw his dad's tears, he knew he said thank you from his heart.