Not a Political or Social Rant for once

Yeah, I know, I complain a lot. Sometimes it could probably be said that if the world were coming to an end I'd be climbing onto the roof to get a really good view of it. But, this blog isn't about hating humanity, it's about... home improvement.

Other than gunsmithing and building PC's I also have a mild interest in woodwork. nothing fancy, I just like doing the basics in home repair (dry-wall patching, etc). My family tree on my dad's side has a LOT of carpenters in it. While my dad was a high level systems control engineer (developing control networks for power plants and shit) he also spent time doing major home repairs that I'd help him with. If push came to shove (and I found the motivation) I would be very comfortable building a shed, putting up a non-load bearing wall or remodelling a kitchen or bathroom (even some of the mild plumbing). In other words, I don't mind fucking things up and doing them over again (happens more than I care to admit).

I don't want to build a grandfather clock or a rocking horse, I want to build cabinets and maybe a big ass shed.

My kids are now teenagers. While my daughter wil be (hopefully) moving off to college in about 2 years or so, my autistic son will not be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. He's that severe.

Remodelling his bedroom to meet the purpose is now on the radar. I want it to be functional for an adult but it also has to be "child safe". So, friendly environment for a kid the size of a grown man (which he is now actually).

I'm looking at building a heavy duty loft structure that would incorporate his bed (obviously) but also a desk and cabinets for his stuff and interests. I've seen quite a few impressive floorplans online being used by couples and small families forced to live in small studio apartments in metro areas.

The construction will be HEAVY to say the least. While he isn't that big yet he will most likely be at least 5' 8" and around the 180+ mark (he's built like I am, but not overweight... I'm working on it.... ).

Laminating 2x4's and 1x6's is defintely on the plate. The main structure will be following much the same format as a heavy duty shop bench. If it can't take the jumping around of a small gorilla I didn't build it well enough.

I foresee buying tubs of wood glue and lots of deck screws in my future. I can't really use simple bolts. The damn thing will have to be semi-perminant to be sturdy enough. Besides, while I'm Scotts-Irish, I'm almost German in my need to over-engineer shit.

Some people want a fishing boat, I want a Boston Whaler heavy enough to take small arms fire, you get the idea.

I don't think my wife is quite prepared for how expensive a project like this can be. She may THINK she is, but she isn't. I also don't think she realizes just how long this might take me to do. If I could afford all of the supplies in one go I could take a few days off and probably get it done. But, with the demands on the lumber and other things in our area (oil-field boom-town) this shit is expensive. That means piece-mealing until I get it all built and then the assembly.

When I start, I'll post another blog. If I can figure it out I may even post pictures.

See you in the funny papers.