The results were fantastic! Taking the lessons I have learned this year (prep early, give myself plenty of time to smoke, measure the grate level temperature) and what I have found makes a difference to me (cook the whole time with hickory chunks, the advantage of using the picnic to baste), I had probably my best barbecue to date. The crowd certainly loved it too!

2008.08.16 - BBQ Party

Work began on Thursday evening when I went and purchased the materials. I then started Friday late afternoon, assembling the trellis and digging the trench. I worked all Saturday morning to complete the trellis assembly and finish the trench hole. I was able to walk around my neighborhood and recruited 6 people to help me haul the trellis to the back and place in the trench (it was a beast to move!).

All in all, the project was a great success. I'm really happy with the final product, even happier still that it's done! My body is physically exhausted from all the work I had put in to finish this in one and half days.

Some lessons learned (really more reminders to myself):
- Measure Twice, Cut Once. We hear it all the time, but have to remind ourselves to do this. The end posts were 3 inches shorter than wanted them to be because I did not take into account the 2x4 horizontal framing.
- Counter Sink, Then Drill. You'll see on the first set of counter sinks, I made a mess of it because I drilled the holes first, so the guide was bouncing everywhere when I tried to drill the countersink.
- Not all planks are created equal. You'll see in the pics what I mean here.
- Don't Assume. I had a certain method by which I was putting the angle on the board. I assumed that same method would work when I secured the other side. Not so much. I ended up being about an inch off by the time I got to the 10th board. I had redo them.

Enjoy the pics!

2008.04.12 - Privacy Trellis

Today was the bordering of the hill. We decided to use railroad ties to accomplish this - it gives a great rustic look and they are very sturdy.
Unfortunately, the camera was not charged today so I could not take pictures of the 'Before' and 'During' work. Specifically, pictures of:
- The truck loaded down with 7 railroad ties
- How I marked the border
- The shoveling to level the ground
- Chuckie and I breaking our backs to move these bastards

Here are the pictures of the final product. Looks really good and I am very pleased with the results.

BTW, according to my calculations, and assuming all the ties were made of oak (which they usually are), each tie weighed about 160 lbs.

2008.02.18 - Workbench Project

I have an open issue with the table design, so I'm looking for input here. To secure the legs in place, I am using a 5" 3/8" lag screw in each leg, screwed in from the top, through the table, into the leg. The pro is that it secures the leg - the con is that I have to screw and unscrew it every time. Though it's not the end of the world, it's as easy as just dropping down the table.

I would rather not use the screws, but I still need a way to secure the legs in place. I am open to ideas. Bring them on!

We looked at 2 options:
1) Converting the current range hood from a recirculating hood to a exhaust range hood
2) Replace the current over-the-stove microwave range hood with a over the stove range hood to exhaust outside

After doing much reading online, reviews on Consumer Report, and weighing the pro's and con's of replacing the current range hood (better exhaust, loss of microwave and potentially counter space, etc.), we opted to do the conversion.

I will first say that this project was not particularly difficult, but it required significant planning because of a few things:
1) I was about to make a permanent hole in my house. No do-over on that!
2) There conveniently was a 2x4 right where I wanted to cut out the holes
3) The air duct cap was not going to be flush with the outside vinyl siding
4) Required me manufacturing a custom air duct system
5) I was about to make a permanent hole in my house. Yeah, I said it twice

The project took the weekend, over a course of 2 days. I could have completed it one day, but I didn't start until the Saturday afternoon and work had to cease after it got dark. I would say, all in all, trips to Lowes and all, it probably took me 9 - 10 hours. I spent the majority of the time on manufacturing the air duct, making trips back and forth to Lowes, and planning. The actual 'work' part didn't take that long - perhaps 2 - 3 hours in all.

I was quite proud with my custom work on the air duct. Unfortunately, I did not think of taking pictures of the project until Sunday, so you don't see the whole construction of the air duct, but trust me, damn Case engineering education at work there.

Enjoy!

2008.02.09 - Range Hood Venting Project

Though the NC DMV are spawns of Satan, we finally get the truck titled and it's now the permanent vehicle for yours truly. A slight change of pace from my previous vehicle.

Oh yeah, welcome to North Carolina!

2007.05.16 - Pick'em Up Truck

"Ya'll come and visit now, ya hear!"