I finally get the shop I have wanted for too long (3 Viewers)

[Michael B]

Next step. I opened up the two trenches this evening. I started about 5:00 and dug both trenches, washed the Ditch Witch and had it loaded back on the trailer by 7:00. I think it went pretty well for my first time using this type of machine. Tomorrow the hard part begins. We start filling those trenches with wire, conduit and water line.

 

[1911]

Next step. I opened up the two trenches this evening. I started about 5:00 and dug both trenches, washed the Ditch Witch and had it loaded back on the trailer by 7:00. I think it went pretty well for my first time using this type of machine.

Good to hear; I eventually need to rent one to trench for the water, propane, and electric lines to the house.

 

[Michael B]

@1911 it was actually easy and fun. I realized while I was spraying it off that the chain can be reversed. That would have been good information to know before I started using it. A couple of times a large rock or a whole brick got jammed into the chain. I used my crowbar to pry them out when I could have just reversed it.

 

[Michael B]

We got the power in today. I called for the electrical rough in inspection on Monday. Tomorrow I will take care of the water line.

 

[Michael B]

Water is in the ground and back filled. No help today, I am exhausted!

 

[Michael B]

I passed the electrical/conduit inspection today. When I returned home from work I grabbed my rake and shovel and started back filling the trench. There was light rain in the area but I wanted to get it filled before the heavy rain from Ida set in. No pictures tonight, it was too late and I was too tired!

 

[Nottajeep]

Just noticing you are getting your share of army worms too.
Those trenches will settle with a couple of inches dip on top.
Good time to add extra topsoil if you have any.

- Lawn nut

 

[Michael B]

@Nottajeep those army worms are aggravating! I tried to pile all of the soil on top of the trench to avoid the dip. We will see how bad it is shortly.

 

[Michael B]

Today the concrete crew started digging footings and setting form boards. Hopefully they will get it all setup tomorrow. Then concrete should be poured on Saturday of next week. The concrete plant is really backed up right now. They also ordered in 2 more truck loads of gravel. The inspector should be out on Tuesday.

 

[Nottajeep]

so for the lift(s), are you going to drill/tap the concrete after it's cured?

 

[Michael B]

Yes. He will drill and set anchors for the lift.

 

[Michael B]

Ready for inspection! They will put down a moisture barrier on the day of the pour.

 

[BadReligion]

I may have missed this somewhere...are you going 4" or 6" on your pour?

 

[Michael B]

It will be a 4” slab with two 4’ square pads 6” deep for the lift to sit on.

 

[Michael B]

The footings and slab prep passed inspection today. We are good to go for Saturdays concrete pour!

 

[Michael B]

Well tomorrow’s concrete pour has been rescheduled for Saturday the 18th. :-(

 

[Michael B]

The contractor may not be working on building the shop but I’m still working on filing it. The new compressor arrived today.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Michael, don't let them add water to the concrete or least ask them to discuss with you first. I would have the finish hard troweled. Lastly, as soon as they are done troweling (or shortly thereafter) I would put a sprinkler on the slab and keep it wet for at least one week, preferably two. If you do this curing properly you won't have any cracking. Apologies if you already know all this information.

Nice compressor. Got a model and/or link or do I just google Whisper 100?

 

[Michael B]

Thanks @WarDamnEagle I worked for a materials testing lab, once a long time ago, so I understand everything you have suggested. I sure wish I had my old slump gage. I already have the sprinkler staged and ready to go!

I don’t have the model number handy right now. But the compressor is an Emax unit offered by Northern Tool. It is made by Eaton. They have been around for a long time. Northern put it on sale last month so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on one. It wasn’t supposed to ship until 5 October but earlier is good as well.

 

[Michael B]

No concrete today! I don’t know if you can see it in the picture but it’s raining.