Start at the Start

Thursday night rolled around quite quickly and before I knew it I was standing in my driveway with a lot of steal and very little idea of how it fits together.  Re-inforcements had been flown in and it was time to get down to business.
I first had to induct our two new employees to site,  and with any new employees to a construction site there comes an initiation.  Dale was sent off to Mitre 10 to pick up a can of Red and White stripped paint while Hobie was made to work naked for the first hour.  I actually think that he enjoyed this time and you will see the photo below of Hobie performing the acent Budhist 'site blessing' by rubbing his bottom into the dirt.   

 

Contstuction was slow to begin with as corners were measured and measure again.  However,  come lunch time on the first day we were appling the screws to the first column - This honor went to the finance minister.

As the Dazzler and myself worked on decreasing the pile of steal in the driveway we were well supported all day.  Hobie was always on hand to pass any tools when required.  Although I would like to think the first day was all smooth sailing the build team did come across some challenges,  the below image shows the teamwork and communication that was evident as the frame took shape.

This discussion was one of many concerning the placement of column plates.  Interestengly you will notice the five different size ratchet pieces on the footing,  seems strange considering there was only ever one size of bolt that was used for all ten footings.  I believe the answer is in the below picture.

You will notice the carlton draught stubbies in the top and bottom of the picutre,  clearly the OH&S rep was not working this day!!
All in all a fantastic first day on the job with all 10 uprights in position and the back rafters raised.  Massive praise to the Dazzler for his expertise - for his reward I think I'll give him one more beer.