In the last blog we showed in great detail the first post and flitch beam being put up and in place. Here follows the next two, the second one being the one end of the ridge beam.
The metal connector being bolted on before lifting the beam and post into place.
Nino lining it up and ensuring it is vertical etc.
It had to be right at Bruno’s end too i.e. parallel to the straw wall and the right distance from the edge for the rafters.
From the drivers perspective.
Now the slot needs to be cut and the two holes drilled for the bolts to secure it.
We hired a second aluminum scaffolding tower to continue with the roof. Here you can see it being erected to help us get the first beam and post in place for the ridge beam.
Here you can see the temporary construction we put together to ensure we were putting the post and beam in exactly the right place.
Another view of it. The string in the air is where the ridge beam will go. We then dropped a plum-line down to get the exact position of the post.
We had to put on a small ‘extension’ at the bottom to get it right.
Here is another view of the scaffold tower. The digger is in the background to help us lift the heavy timbers and flitch beams up.
Here Terry and Doris are getting out the way before this piece of wood to support the ridge beam is lifted up to Bruno.
It’s there!
Bruno prepares to secure it with ‘L’ brackets – but first the glue.
The metal cap is taken down and secured to the flitch beam.
Nino and Stephen make sure Bruno drills straight!
The post gets fixed on at the other end.
Time to get the hard hats on!
And then she is hoisted up and one end put in place by Nino.
The holes are drilled
and the slot cut.
More holes drilled, bolts and nuts on and tightened.
It needed to be perfect even for Swiss eyes – and it is!
Tablehurst Straw House 