I’ve been building small barns and loafing sheds with four inch C purlins oriented horizontally instead of vertically for about ten years now.
My reasons for framing like this instead of the conventional way of welding the purlins vertically to the posts involve simplicity of construction and adding strength to the structure.
With the purlins welded to the face of the pipe the strength of the purlin duplicates the strength provided by the metal sheeting. The purlin and the sheeting are weaker inside-outside than they are up and down in this configuration. So when we orient the purlin horizontally we make the wall much stronger inside outside.
We also provide a place to attach material to finish out the interior of the shed or barn. I can’t emphasize the importance of interior finish out in a horse stall enough. The worst possible thing that can happen in a horse stall is for the horse to kick or paw through metal siding. When they pull their leg back in invariably they cut it so severely they have to be put down. (more…)
I was asked for input on a theme for the fencing at a research center of a major university. When I suggested a DNA top rail pattern they asked for a sample. It wasn’t as easy as it looks to make. (more…)
Leo with his wife Lisa and his friend Harvey Lacey
Leo Frisk was a friend of mine. He gave the most important gift one friend can give another. He believed in me. He’s the reason why we have the website. He created it. I’ve tried to continue it in that spirit.
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One of my friends wanted me to make him a sign frame for his stone yard. All he wanted was a simple eight feet high by sixteen feet long steel frame he could cover with plywood. He would then paint the plywood and have his business name put on it with telephone numbers etc.
I pointed out to him that no one would see it. That’s because next to his property is this huge billboard. His big little sign will be competing with the pros for attention. He might as well not even have a sign as to have one that won’t be seen.
I suggested he think of something that would grab people’s attention. I’m thinking something unusual, out of place, say like a huge stone sitting on top of a post that’s leaning.
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