Back on the Roof!

With the power issue slowing us down on the studio side, I turned my attention to the loft for a bit in hopes that I can stay on schedule in the long run.  The easiest project to pick up was the rooftop deck.  The final design netted me just over 1,100 square feet of deck space constructed using aluminum planking, and cedar 4x6 joists.  I’m calling it done for now until the studio is complete.  The plan is to design and fabricate some built-in screening and furniture nestled among green areas and herb gardens for the kitchen.  Perhaps a bar...  Here are some build photos showing the process...

After much deliberation, I went with aluminum planks for their durability and linear weight… good stuff!

We first prototyped the deck to figure out if we could span 30 inches, turns out you can... these planks are strong!

Once the joists were in place, we started the runs...

And done! (for now that is)

The Allure of Power

Ahhhh, enough electricity…. finally.  Since we started the build-out of the studio, we have been working with the local power provider on a solution for our electrical needs.  First there was the size of the meter, then the location of the panels, and finally, the realization that there is simply not enough power on the existing utility pole to supply our equipment.  After a bit of back-and-forth, they agreed to set a new pole and supply a new meter on their dime!  Presto, new transformers and a green tag from the city!  We start hooking up equipment tomorrow. Check out this process….

The process begins with about 18 guys coming out to spray paint your driveway...

These guys show up with what is essentially a mobile water jet to dig the hole… 2 weeks later...

... one really deep hole....

These guys come and set a pole.... 1 week later...

And on the 5th week, they hang some transformers!

... now these actually mean something : )

The Studio is a Work in Progress

We are working around the clock to make sure that the Studio is up and running by the end of May. We hired Mr. Bill to help with construction. It feels like equipment is being delivered daily and therefore, there is a lot of work to do.  We put in temporary stairs to access the roof more easily, aesthetically lined the inside of the skylights with cedar to match the ceiling in the Studio, and made a home for the storage baskets. Check out the photos to see how far we are coming along.

Ken and Mr. Bill adding rails to the racks

Now the baskets have a home and are sturdy

Temporary stairs to the roof

The new and improved skylights from the inside

Got Forklift?

Today, we got the new forklift! It is a Raymond Stand-up. It drives ever so smoothly. It was worth blocking off the whole street so that the 18-wheeler flat bed was able to take away the old ones and give us the new one. It was quite impressive. Check it out.

Tight squeeze...

The planning process...

Ken and his new forklift

Laguna Has Arrived

With the long anticipated wait for the Laguna equipment, this was a very exciting week. The equipment came in and we are very pleased with all of it. It was a bit nerve racking to watch Ken and Billy unpack and handle all this equipment by themselves. This shipment of equipment included a band saw, edge sander, wide belt sander, a jointer, and a dust collector. There is more to come.

43 inch Wide Belt Sander

Our temporary Jointer (16 inch to arrive soon....)

24 inch Band Saw (some assembly required)

Chelsea's favorite warning sticker... she's not allowed near this equipment.

First truck is headed this way!

Just got word from Steve at Laguna that the first shipment of equipment is headed this way!  Steve was nice enough to shoot some pics of the equipment while it was being loaded on the truck.  Need to line up a couple of forklifts and some white gloves on Wednesday of next week… stay tuned.

Light My Fuse…

Today the welders got delivered by Hardworking Harold from Welders Warehouse. The Studio is now equipped with both a TIG and MIG welder. Look at the photos of the welders in all of their glory.