Below are some progress photos depicting substructure reinforcement and temporary bearing beams for our project replacing a center truss girder on an early 19th century post and beam house in Harrison: NY.
Cracked main girder in post and beam ceiling in 18th or early early Nineteeth century farmhouse Harrison NY
The house has been heavily modified over the years and it appears that in a circa 1980s renovation a load bearing central truss was cut out leaving only a single undersized beam to bear floor wall and roof loads on an approximately 30′ x 17′. The old hardwood beam cracked under the load and is being replaced by a new solid white oak beam with a pair of steel angles inserted from the top for reinforcement.
I will publish details of this as the work proceeds.
Temporary load bearing beams support floor before removal of cracked center girder. It is my supposition that the rod seen in the first photo attached to a structural truss. Sloppy renovators in the 1980’s modified the roof line and seem to have cut out the upper section of the truss and rod leaving this beam alone to carry much of the second floor of the house.
Photo group below shows shoring and reinforcement in the basement and crawl space areas in preparation for jacking the floor level above.
Old basement girder probably reclaimed barn timber preparations for shoring underway
All Photography by Benjamin Fiering. Reproduction by permission only.
A Third Floor Project #Thirdfloor
The following list is the required list of tools to be in the possession of a carpenter’s apprentice on her or his first day of work for Third Floor Corporation. Ben Fiering–Fort Montgomery, NY August 29, 2015
Apprentices helpers and contractors who desire to advance to the standing of carpenters on Third Floor Corporation projects, should come to work every day equipped with at least the following tools and a tool bag or box in which to keep them organized.
[There are a variety of branded products mentioned below and a few retailers. It should be clearly stated that this blog accepts no funds or other support from retailers or manufacturers and that these should not be considered as endorsements. They are meant only to aid in locating and identifying the tools mentioned.]
–Safety Glasses.
–A note padon which notes can be taken and drawings and calculations made.
–A tool beltor a combination, hammer holster and nail apron, or one of each which will accommodate a hammer, fasteners and some or other simple tools to be worn when working in appropriate conditions.
This Carhart set shown below is light and easy to take on and off for those of us who prefer not to work wearing a heavy belt. http://dungarees.net/product_Carhartt_A09_Duck_Nail_Apron|BRN|-369-1.html?utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=CSE&utm_campaign=Mens%20Belts
This cotton nail apron for less than 3 dollars is acceptable if worn with a hammer holster and a basic belt that will hold a tape measure. The master carpenter who first trained me worked this way, with a simple cotton nail apron and a hammer holster.
–A finish hammer preferably 16 oz and must be smooth faced so as no to mar finish woodwork. I recommend the hammer below. It is a lifetime tool and can be used to pry nails and such due to its strength.
–A “catspaw” nail puller. such as this one shown below. There are many variations on this tool from Stanley, Vaughn, Bostitch and Estwing and Dewalt. personal preference should prevail but you should have a durable double ended tool of this type.
–A combination square, I recommend the classic Stanley tool below. It is durable, inexpensive and the markings are etched so they will stay readable as the tools ages and wears.
–A set of simple screwdrivers or a combination screwdriver with a #1, #2 both Phillips and flat.
–A simple adjustable “monkey” wrench
–A Lineman’s Pliers.These Channel Lock pliers will last a lifetime if kept oiled and dry. In a pinch you can cut through a deck screw with these to shorten it. Klein also makes a pair of these as do many others.
–A chalk line.”Chalk Box”.. and some chalk to put in it’ This Irwin “Straight Line” solid aluminum chalk box doubles as a Plumb Bob and has yet to be improved on by more expensive plastic bodied models.
White oak post notched and mortised for exterior arbor at Garrison, NY property. Fabrication by Third Floor Corporation Apprentices.
All positions are paid. We frown on the practice of “offering” unpaid “internships. ” Rather we prefer to pay and demand commitment, dedication to craft, and hard work in return. Compensation based upon experience, skill, craft development and educational level.
We are always interested in the work of talented artisans, subcontractors in the mechanical trades and hard working intelligent ambitious people of any background.
We have an apprenticeship program for college graduates. We also provide job training opportunities for high school graduated or GED complete youth in Peekskill and Newburgh, NY . Please email a complete resume attached in Microsoft Word format with a succinct cover letter and educational background information to Doctorstructure@thirdfloorconstruction.com
Please include a clear subject line in your email with these inquiries in order to evade our spam filter. Be forewarned our filter is set to weed out the vague, the indecisive, the disingenuous, catch phrases, truisms, business-school double-speak, stereotypes, bigotry, idle chatter, and, as well– of course– malicious software.
Below is a sample of our long running Craigslist employment advertisements
Apprentice Carpenter
Apprentice carpenter to assist lead carpenter in high end residential construction and structural repairs of antique and classic modern houses. All custom architectural work. Steady work for individuals devoted to their craft. Busy disciplined environment.
Resume’s in Microsoft Word Format only. Include work and educational background
Reply by email only.
Full time year round work
Must have working cell phone, valid driver’s license and own transportation to work in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties.
Must have tools for higher paid positions.
Must be in good physical condition for work in construction environment.
Must be able to read construction documents.
Must be capable of executing tasks without supervision
Some professional experience and education in the craft required.
High school diploma required.
Legal residency required.
College education preferred.
Strong math and technical skills a must.
Apprentice to Master Builder (Peekskill, NY)
Paid Intern/Apprentice to master builder for custom residential construction.
Excellent opportunity to learn the building trades as a direct assistant to experienced General Contractor.
Flexible hours. Excellent opportunity for Architecture, Engineering or Project Management graduate
Must have working cell phone, valid driver’s license and own transportation to work in Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
Must be in good physical condition for work in construction environment. Outdoors in all weather conditions. Occasional long hours. Direct participation in physically demanding construction work in a job site environment is required.
High school diploma or GED required. Legal residency required. College education preferred. Strong math and technical skills a must.
Detail oriented person must be willing to document site conditions and work activities. Must be able to follow very detailed and specific instructions and to communicate those instructions clearly to others.
Equal opportunity. Female apprentices welcome.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
Do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers.
Please respect our time. No telephone or text inquiries without prior written (email) contact including a letter of introduction and resume.
Doctor Structure 