Today I installed the second Pagoda. I used my hoist this time, to lift the Pagoda in to the tight area and slide it in to place.
As you can see, the Pagoda fits nicely around the window.
And this is the completed second Pagoda.
This is a before,
...and some after images.
Over the last few days I have been working on the second Pagoda. I have not posted any details, it is the same as the large Pagoda. The challenge this time is however the confined space that the Pagoda will be installed in.
This is the top of the Pagoda, as it will be installed...
..and on the back is the opening to go around the window.
And as usual, I had my little helper with me in the work shop, building on her own project.
Yesterday I arrived at the house, and backed the trailer in place.
I positioned the Pagoda where it had to be, and slowly backed up to the wall.
Slowly but surely I raised the Pagoda up to its final height. (don't try this at home...) This took hours, inch by inch.
But here it is, in place, bolted to the wall and stained. Now it is back to the shop to finish the second Pagoda.
The arch is attached to the top,
and the top rails are installed, completing the assembly of the first Pagoda.
The Pagoda is ready to be transported to the site and installed over the garage door.
Things are taking shape! I finished sanding the smaller pieces today, and assembled them. The top is almost complete, minus the three 1x2 strips that go over the very top. I am sanding the arches some more, and they will be added tomorrow. I am shooting for a Monday installation!!!
Yesterday I continued to work on the long beams, and I cut, shaped and notched the short pieces that go over the long beams. I have a total of 17 for this Pagoda. Today I will be sanding them, and than I can start the assembly process.
Today I have cut, shaped and assembled the two long beams for the Pagoda that will go over the double garage door. The total length of the pagoda is 21'10". So I had to joint two pieces. Since the front beam is very visible, and has a seam in the center, I thought that it would look better if I add an architectural detail. So I am adding a bow tie. Used in furniture making to add strength to a joint, here it will only be a quarter of an inch thick and strictly for decoration. The real strength of the joint comes from the 12" half lap joint.
I start by slicing a 1/4 inch piece of wood off of a scrap piece, with my band saw.
I than cut out a bow tie.
I also cut out a bow tie out of the beam...
...and lay the 1/4 inch piece inside. Tomorrow I will sand it flush, and that is it!
I had to use my hoist to get the pieces assembled. The center piece with the four lions is at least 450 pounds!
There are holes in the mouth, as well as a bubble on top of the fountain. I had to make a splitter that fit inside the shaft of the lion piece to feed all four of the lion heads, as well as the top.
But the result is a nice fountain with a lot of splash!!!
Today I continued working on the support arches. As the pieces are glued up, I have some time to work on the blocks that will support the arch to the wall.
I had my little helper outside with me today, who made good use of my scraps. It is a Pony castle...
I bought the wood needed to create the Pagoda. I choose Red Cedar for the look and durability.
For the support arches I have to double up 2x8" stock to get the approximately 4x4 inch arch.
Here I use my (new) band saw to cut the shape of the arch.
The rough cut pieces are connected with screws using pocket holes and a water proof wood glue, and than I attach a template to the top. I use a router to cut out the exact shape of the arch.
This is the arch when it is completed. Now I just have 3 more to make...
The actual garage has the same natural stone added, which will look very good with the natural look of the Red Cedar that we will be using for the wood work. We will use a natural Australian Timber Oil, which will not change the color of the redwood, but preserve it and keep it from turning gray.
