The Shed Project

For months we have been thinking about putting a structure on our property for more storage space. We tried a steel shipping container, but the truck couldn't get the container up our driveway so I decided to build my own shed out of steel. To help design the shed I used a math software called Geogebra. Here is what I came up with:

The next step was to choose the location and get the supplies delivered: Here is the spot we are putting the shed. 

I ordered the supplies which turned out to be more than 1,000 pounds of steel. Lucky, the steel yard delivers. Each piece is just over 20 feet long. Heidi is under 2 feet long.

Next, to make sure I built the shed in the right spot, I masked and painted lines on the ground where I want the shed. 

To build the main frame, I welded four barn shaped frames, here is the first one.

 

Shelley and Heidi helped hold up the frame so we could see what the shed would look like. 

I used clamps to prop the frames up and welded the side pieces on.

 

Here is the complete main frame. It is really tempting to turn this whole thing into a giant walk in aviary. 

With the main structure up, I have been working on the support joist for the walls, roof, and floor (I call this webbing). Here a couple walls and part of the back are finished.

In this photo, I have finished the front and the webbing.

 

Here is the shed ready for painting. I felt a little like Dexter. Special thanks to Robert & Sparkey for helping paint.

 

The final steps of the shed are to install the floor, roof, and siding. Below are some photos from those projects. My students always ask when they are going to use the math they learn in my classroom. If you have 1.5” square tube steel and you weld a door, what clearance is needed in the frame? Pythagorean Theorem helps.

The start of the roof.

 Heidi uses the new roof to look for the cats in the neighborhood (special thanks to Sparkey for helping me with the roof).

Siding being installed (special thanks to dad for helping me install the siding). 

 Interior with overhead storage for lumber and steel. 

 Some final painting and the shed is finished and matches the cottage next to it.

Parrots Visit Our Trees

For the first time (that we noticed) parrots were eating from our fruit trees. While we see parrots nearly everyday, this is the first time we have seen them come down to our tree. These parrots have blue heads, while we normally see red headed parrots.

Here is a photo of the normal parrots we see (with red heads):